Australian Open Reschedules Matches as 42 °C Heat Warning Forces New Timetable
Updated (3 articles)
Heat Stress Scale Maxes Out, Halting Outdoor Play The tournament’s five‑point heat stress scale reached its maximum on Saturday, prompting officials to suspend play on all outside courts for five hours while indoor venues continued under roofed conditions [1][2][3]. Temperatures approached 40 °C on day 7 and were forecast to climb to 42 °C the following Tuesday, triggering a severe heat warning from the Victorian Bureau of Meteorology [1]. The heat policy mandates roof closure and cooling breaks whenever the scale hits five, a rule applied to multiple matches including Jannik Sinner’s third‑round victory [2][3].
Schedule Shift Moves Wheelchair and Junior Matches Organisers advanced Saturday’s start time to 10:30 local and postponed wheelchair events to Wednesday, while junior matches on outside courts now begin at 09:00 local on Tuesday [1]. Rod Laver and Margaret Court arenas, both equipped with retractable roofs and air‑conditioning that can lower temperatures to about 26 °C, will host quarter‑finals and doubles, though officials have not confirmed whether the roofs will stay closed at session start [1]. John Cain Arena will remain unused on Tuesday, concentrating play on the two main roofed show courts [1].
Sinner Recovers From Cramps After Cooling Break In the third round, Sinner trailed 3‑1 in the third set when the heat rule forced a roof closure and a ten‑minute cooling break; he returned to win 4‑6, 6‑3, 6‑4, 6‑4 [2][3]. The indoor environment lowered the temperature to roughly 26 °C, allowing him to overcome arm and leg cramps that had required medical attention earlier [1][3]. Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula praised the early‑day scheduling that avoided the worst heat, while wheelchair champion Andy Lapthorne warned that athletes with spinal‑cord injuries face heightened risks in such conditions [1].
Organisers Deploy Water, Mist, and Shade Stations To mitigate the heat, the Australian Open installed 46 water refill stations, 56 mist fans, two high‑powered misters, and added 9,000 sqm of extra shade across the venue [2]. Ball‑boy and ball‑girl rotations were shortened to 45‑minute shifts with longer breaks, and fans received repeated alerts to stay hydrated and use cooling facilities [2]. Meteorologists predict temperatures could exceed 40 °C during the quarter‑finals, prompting world‑number‑one Aryna Sabalenka to advise players to adjust strings and tactics accordingly [2].
Sources (3 articles)
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[1]
BBC: Australian Open schedule reshuffled as 42 °C heat looms: Details the second schedule shift in four days, postponement of wheelchair events, early junior matches, and uncertainty over roof usage amid a 42 °C forecast .
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[2]
BBC: Sinner advances after Australian Open heat rule halts play: Describes Sinner’s comeback after a heat‑rule interruption, the activation of the five‑point scale, advanced start times, and extensive cooling infrastructure for players and spectators .
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[3]
AP: Sinner Beats Cramping and Heat to Defend Australian Open Title: Highlights Sinner’s cramps, the ten‑minute cooling break, roof closure, other Italian men reaching the round of 16, and widespread heat disruptions across multiple courts .
Timeline
Jan 24, 2026 – Organisers advance Saturday’s start to 10:30 local time and install 46 water refill stations, 56 mist fans, two high‑powered misters and 9,000 sqm of extra shade to protect players and spectators from the extreme heat [2].
Jan 24, 2026 – Madison Keys says she is “super happy” to play before the heat intensifies, while Jessica Pegula notes players are “used to” the conditions, showing top players welcome the earlier schedule [2].
Jan 24, 2026 – Ball‑boy and ball‑girl shifts are cut to 45 minutes with longer breaks, and fans receive repeated reminders to stay hydrated and use on‑site cooling facilities, illustrating operational safety measures [2].
Jan 24, 2026 – Meteorologists predict temperatures could exceed 40 °C during the quarter‑finals; world‑number‑one Aryna Sabalenka warns players they will need to adjust strings and tactics accordingly [2].
Jan 24, 2026 – In the third round, Jannik Sinner trails 3‑1 when the heat‑stress scale hits five; officials close the Rod Laver roof and give a five‑minute break, after which Sinner rallies to win 4‑6 6‑3 6‑4 6‑4, crediting the “heat rule” for his survival [2][3].
Jan 24, 2026 – The extreme‑heat policy triggers a roof closure as temperatures rise to about 35 °C; a ten‑minute cooling break lets Sinner recover from arm and leg cramps and secure the match, demonstrating the policy’s direct impact on play [3].
Jan 24, 2026 – Sinner describes himself as “lucky with the heat rule” after the interruption, highlighting how the rule can alter match dynamics [1].
Saturday (late Jan 2026) – The tournament’s five‑point heat scale reaches its maximum as temperatures near 40 °C, forcing a five‑hour suspension of outdoor play while indoor courts continue [1].
Jan 26, 2026 – A severe heat warning is issued as forecasts predict 42 °C on Tuesday; the heat scale again hits its maximum, prompting a five‑hour halt to outdoor matches while indoor courts stay active [1].
Jan 26, 2026 – Organisers reshuffle the schedule again, moving wheelchair events to Wednesday and starting junior matches at 09:00 local time to protect players and spectators from dangerous conditions [1].
Jan 26, 2026 – Defending quad wheelchair men’s doubles champion Andy Lapthorne warns that competitors with spinal‑cord injuries cannot sweat, making extreme heat especially hazardous for wheelchair athletes [1].
Jan 26, 2026 – BBC Sport correspondent Russell Fuller notes junior players as young as 15 must play two matches in “boiling” heat, adding strain to the developing field [1].
Jan 26, 2026 – Organisers leave it undecided whether retractable roofs at Rod Laver and Margaret Court will stay closed for Tuesday’s sessions, while John Cain Arena will not be used, reflecting ongoing operational decisions amid the heat threat [1].