Temperatures soared to 33°C in Paris on Monday as the French Open began, forcing players to adapt to blistering conditions on the clay courts. The heat is expected to persist throughout the first week, with competitors bracing for a gruelling test of endurance.
Russian player Daria Kasatkina remarked on the unusual heat, saying she could not recall such high temperatures at Roland Garros. The conditions, while not humid, still posed challenges, with players experiencing fluctuations in focus and physical performance during matches.
The hot weather alters the characteristics of the clay court, making it faster and favouring aggressive play and heavy topspin. World No. 1 Iga Swiatek noted that the ball bounces higher and moves quicker, requiring more touch and control compared to cooler conditions.
Australian Alex de Minaur, who defeated British qualifier Toby Samuel in straight sets, welcomed the heat. He stated that the lively conditions suit his all-court style, allowing him to be more aggressive without relying on excessive spin.
For Samuel, the match marked his Grand Slam main draw debut and his first encounter with a top-150 player. The 23-year-old, who has risen from a ranking of 1,785 to 149 in just over a year, described the experience as a huge step forward both competitively and financially.
