Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Australian Open Heat Policy Activated
The Australian Open had to stop some matches and close the roofs on the main courts because it was extremely hot.
The temperature was very high, and the tournament has rules to protect the players.
Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, and Amanda Anisimova, who are used to playing in hot weather, won their matches quickly.
Jannik Sinner was struggling with the heat and had to take a break.
The tournament started matches earlier to avoid the hottest part of the day, and fans were told to stay hydrated and use sun protection.
Play was halted on outside courts and roofs were closed on main showcourts due to extreme heat at the Australian Open.
Madison Keys beat Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 6-3 in 75 minutes, advancing to the fourth round.
Jessica Pegula defeated Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-3, 6-2, and Amanda Anisimova beat Peyton Stearns 6-1, 6-4, both advancing comfortably.
Jannik Sinner was struggling with cramps and trailing Eliot Spizzirri 6-4, 3-6, 3-1 when play was paused due to the Heat Stress Scale reaching 5.0.
The Australian Open's extreme heat policy considers air temperature, radiant heat, wind speed, and humidity to assess playing conditions.
- Who
- Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova, Jannik Sinner, Eliot Spizzirri, Lorenzo Musetti, Tomas Machac, Valentin Vacherot, Ben Shelton, Oksana Selekhmeteva, Peyton Stearns, Sarah Gellatly, Mat Vonarx
- What
- Play was halted and roofs were closed at the Australian Open due to extreme heat, with several matches affected.
- When
- January 24, 2026
- Where
- Melbourne Park, Australia
- Why
- The Australian Open invoked its extreme heat policy due to temperatures rising to 36°C (96.8°F) and the Heat Stress Scale reaching 5.0.
- Event
- 2026 Australian Open
- Location
- Melbourne Park
- Temperature
- 36°C (96.8°F) to 40°C (104°F)
- Heat Stress Scale
- 5.0
- Madison Keys' Opponent
- Karolina Pliskova
- Madison Keys' Score
- 6-3, 6-3
- Jessica Pegula's Opponent
- Oksana Selekhmeteva
- Jessica Pegula's Score
- 6-3, 6-2
- Amanda Anisimova's Opponent
- Peyton Stearns
- Amanda Anisimova's Score
- 6-1, 6-4
- Jannik Sinner's Opponent
- Eliot Spizzirri
- Jannik Sinner's Score
- 6-4, 3-6, 3-1 (when play was paused)
- Lorenzo Musetti's Opponent
- Tomas Machac
- Lorenzo Musetti's Score
- 2-0 in the fifth set (when play was paused)
Sources
Tennis-Players, fans brace for extreme heat at Australian Open
Australian Open: Madison Keys beats the heat and Pliskova to advance
Tennis-Scorching heat forces Australian Open roof closures
Australian Open 2026: Roof closed; play suspended on outside courts due to extreme heat
Australian Open 2026: Why matches were suspended - Here’s what we know
Australian Open | From Podcast co-hosts to face-off: How defending champion Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula are raring for another show-off
