Searing warmth in Melbourne has compelled the Australian Open to grind to a halt, with play on all outside courts suspended after gamers braved the weather early on day two.
Matches had been stopped simply earlier than 2pm Tuesday because the mercury rose to 36C and the match’s excessive warmth coverage was activated.
Earlier, gamers had been granted one 10-minute break to take between units earlier than the temperature rose additional.
“This means play continues until the end of an even number of games or the completion of a tie break,” an Australian Open assertion mentioned.
“No new matches will be called to court. Play on outdoor practice courts is also suspended.”
Fans cheered because the roof closed at John Cain Arena, the place play between eighth-seeded American Taylor Fritz and Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili had been halted till the roof could possibly be shut.
Australian Jordan Thompson was amongst gamers affected by the match suspensions, together with his sport towards American JJ Wolf halted within the second set with Thompson up 3-1, after shedding the primary 3-6.
Queensland wildcard Kimberly Birrell pulled off an amazing upset win earlier than the delays over seeded Estonian Kaia Kanepi, along with her 3-6, 7-6, 6-1 victory met with raucous cheers at Kia Arena.
