Melbourne, Australia – Play at the 2026 Australian Open was disrupted Saturday by extreme heat, forcing a temporary suspension of matches on outside courts and a brief halt to the defending champion Jannik Sinner’s third-round contest. Tournament officials activated heat safety protocols as temperatures climbed towards 40°C (104°F), prioritizing the well-being of players, officials, and spectators during the Australian Open.
The heatwave prompted a suspension of all matches on outside courts, with the tournament announcing the decision on social media. Matches on courts with retractable roofs, including Rod Laver Arena, were temporarily paused to allow for closure, ensuring play could continue in a climate-controlled environment. This is a standard procedure at the tournament, designed to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures.
Heat Impacts Play at the Australian Open
The Australian Open employs a Heat Stress Scale ranging from 1 to 5, with 5 representing the most dangerous conditions. According to tournament officials, the scale reached a 5 in the early afternoon, even with temperatures at 36°C (97°F), triggering the safety measures. The suspension impacted numerous matches, including those of several top contenders.
However, some players appeared to thrive in the conditions. Women’s defending champion Madison Keys swiftly defeated Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 6-3, citing her familiarity with Florida’s heat as an advantage. Keys will now face fellow American Jessica Pegula in the round of 16.
Pegula also secured a comfortable victory, defeating Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-3, 6-2. She noted her relief at completing her match quickly and avoiding prolonged exposure to the intense heat. Amanda Anisimova continued the strong showing from American players, easily overcoming Peyton Stearns 6-1, 6-4.
Djokovic and Osaka Continue Campaigns
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic, aiming for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title, advanced to the last 16 with a confident performance against Botic Van de Zandschulp. The 38-year-old Serbian has yet to drop a set this tournament, signaling his continued dominance in men’s tennis.
Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka also progressed, though she faced a tougher challenge against qualifier Maddison Inglis. Osaka, known for her vibrant on-court style, had previously captivated audiences with her jellyfish-themed outfit. The winner of her match will face either Iga Swiatek or Anna Kalinskaya.
Swiatek is pursuing a career Grand Slam, with the Australian Open being the only major title missing from her collection. Lorenzo Musetti and Taylor Fritz also secured wins, setting up a potential clash in the later rounds. Veteran Stan Wawrinka, playing in what is expected to be his final Australian Open, battled through another match, demonstrating resilience despite his age.
The implementation of the Heat Stress Scale and retractable roofs highlights the increasing importance of player safety in professional tennis, particularly as climate change contributes to more frequent and intense heatwaves. The tournament’s proactive approach aims to balance competitive play with the health and well-being of all participants. The Melbourne Open, as it is also known, has been a focus of discussion regarding extreme weather protocols in recent years.
Play is expected to continue as scheduled, with officials closely monitoring the weather conditions. Further suspensions are possible if temperatures remain high, and the tournament will continue to prioritize player safety. The coming days will be crucial for determining how the heat impacts the remaining matches and the overall outcome of the 2026 Australian Open.
