The Australian Open implemented its heat stress protocols on Saturday as temperatures in Melbourne climbed towards 40°C, causing play to be suspended on outer courts for much of the afternoon. The tournament's heat stress scale triggered a suspension at around 2.30pm, with the roofs on Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena closed for the remainder of matches.
Defending champion Jannik Sinner struggled with cramps during his third-round match against American Eliot Spizzirri, dropping the first set and falling behind in the third. After a brief break when the heat protocol was activated, Sinner recovered to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in nearly four hours. The Italian had applied ice packs and used a personal air conditioner during changeovers.
Defending women's champion Madison Keys eased past Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 6-3 in 75 minutes to reach the last 16. Keys, a Florida native, said she was ready for the heat. Alex De Minaur, who won his match on Friday night, advised players to hydrate, use ice towels and stay in the shade.
Officials brought forward the start of play by 30 minutes in anticipation of the heat, and crowds were expected to be lower than usual on the traditionally busy middle Saturday. Water misters and free sunscreen proved popular as the heat stress scale exceeded 5.0, triggering the suspension. The Bureau of Meteorology had forecast a top of 40°C at 5pm.
