Key Highlights
- Australian Open moves play start times due to expected 40C temperatures.
- Heat stress scale will determine when matches are suspended or stopped.
- Melbourne and Victoria under severe heatwave warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology.
- Players voice concerns about playing in extreme heat conditions.
New Heat Rules for Australian Open 2026
The Australian Open is set to experience a significant change in its play schedule as organizers adapt to an expected high of 40C temperatures during this year’s tournament. Starting on Saturday, matches will begin at 10:30 local time (23:30 GMT) instead of the usual 11:00 start.
This move is part of a broader strategy to manage the effects of extreme heat during play. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe heatwave warnings for Melbourne and Victoria, underscoring the need for flexible scheduling to protect players’ health and comfort.
Heat Stress Scale Impact
The new schedule is based on a sophisticated heat stress scale that measures four critical factors: radiant heat (sun intensity), air temperature in the shade, relative humidity, and wind speed. If this scale reaches its maximum of five, matches on Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena will be suspended until the roof can be closed to provide relief.
This decision comes with support from players like world number one Aryna Sabalenka. “It’s not a lot of fun playing in those temperatures,” she noted, highlighting concerns about the physical toll on athletes.
Precautionary Measures
In addition to adjusting play times, organizers have implemented several measures to ensure players and spectators remain cool and comfortable throughout their stay at Melbourne Park. Water bubblers and refill stations, misting fans, and additional shade coverage are just some of the facilities available.
Ballkids will also work in 45-minute rotations instead of the usual one hour, with increased breaks between shifts to ensure they can manage the heat effectively. The Australian Open expects another 100,000-strong crowd on Saturday for third-round matches.
Future Implications
The extreme weather conditions in Melbourne highlight the challenges faced by global sporting events as climate change continues to affect weather patterns. As temperatures continue to rise, organizations like the Australian Open may need to adapt further to ensure player safety and maintain the quality of competition.
“The weather being crazy means a lot of adjustment on the strings and your approach to the match,” Sabalenka added, emphasizing that players must adapt quickly to survive in these conditions. “It’s going like a rollercoaster.”
