Australian Open: Organisers change policy on extreme heat for 2015 tournament
Tuesday 2 December 2014 18:04, UK
Australian Open organisers have changed their policy on extreme heat ahead of the 2015 tournament in Melbourne.
The new heat policy at the first Grand Slam of the year will take into account the forecast once it exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, as well as a humidity and wind reading.
At last year's tournament Canadian player Frank Dancevic required medical attention after fainting during his first-round match.
Players also vomited and suffered severe cramping while a ball boy also collapsed as temperatures took their toll.
Organisers were criticised for not suspending matches during the intense heat but have now taken action ahead of next year's tournament, which gets under way on January 19.
Melbourne Park now boasts three courts with retractable roofs after the Margaret Court Arena underwent refurbishment earlier this year.
Heat policy
Organisers use the Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) reading - a combination of air temperature, humidity and wind speed - to decide whether conditions are suitable for play.
"The heat policy, as always, will be applied at the referee's discretion," tournament director and Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said on the official Australian Open website.
"The decision on implementing the heat policy will take into account the forecast once the ambient temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, and the Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) reading exceeds 32.5.
"When conditions exceed these levels the referee is taking into account the forecast and state of play when making his discretionary call. We've been gathering data for a number of years now and the forecast process is more sophisticated than ever before.
"We believe this update will clarify and streamline the communications process for both players and support staff. We've consulted the playing group and this is seen as the fairest way to implement the policy by many of the top players."
