The French Open continued on a sweltering day three in Paris, with temperatures soaring above 35 degrees Celsius, testing the endurance of players and spectators alike. Top seeds Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Daniil Medvedev all took to the courts, battling not only their opponents but also the oppressive heat.
Sabalenka Advances Despite Tough Conditions
Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two, overcame a spirited challenge from her opponent, winning 6-4, 7-5. The Belarusian struggled with her serve in the first set but found her rhythm as the match progressed. She called for a medical timeout in the second set to receive treatment for heat-related issues, but managed to close out the match in straight sets.
Gauff Overcomes Early Scare
Coco Gauff, the American sixth seed, faced a tough test against a qualifier, dropping the first set before rallying to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. Gauff, who has previously spoken about the challenges of playing in extreme heat, used her athleticism to outlast her opponent. She received multiple ice towels during changeovers and took advantage of the extended breaks allowed under the tournament's extreme heat policy.
Medvedev Struggles in Heat
Daniil Medvedev, the Russian fifth seed, endured a grueling five-set battle against a determined wildcard, eventually prevailing 6-7, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3. Medvedev, known for his dislike of hot conditions, was visibly affected by the heat, frequently wiping his face and taking long pauses between points. He praised the tournament's medical staff for their support during the match.
Extreme Heat Policy in Effect
The tournament activated its extreme heat policy, allowing players to take a 10-minute break between sets and providing additional cooling measures on court. Several matches were delayed or moved to shaded courts to mitigate the effects of the sun. The heat is expected to continue into the next few days, with forecasts predicting little relief.
Other notable results included the early exit of a former champion, who lost in straight sets to an unseeded player. The tournament organizers are closely monitoring weather conditions and may adjust schedules to ensure player safety.
