Australian Open day 2: Play suspended on outside courts as fans brave searing heat

Play has been suspended on outside courts at the Australian Open as fans poured into Melbourne Park, battling the extreme heat.

Queensland wildcard Kimberly Birrell in action during her upset 3-6, 7-6, 6-1 victory over seeded Estonian Kaia Kanepi on day two of the Australian Open. Picture: David Caird

Searing heat in Melbourne has forced the Australian Open to grind to a halt, with play on all outdoor courts suspended after players braved the elements early on day two.

Matches were stopped just before 2pm Tuesday as the mercury rose to 36C and the tournament’s extreme heat policy was activated.

Earlier, players had been granted one 10-minute break to take between sets before the temperature rose further.

“This means play continues until the end of an even number of games or the completion of a tie break,” an Australian Open statement said.

“No new matches will be called to court. Play on outdoor practice courts is also suspended.”

The AO Heat Stress Scale has reached 5 and play will be suspended on the outside courts. This means play continues until the end of an even number of games or the completion of a tie break. No new matches will be called to court. Play on outdoor practice courts is also suspended.

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2023

Fans cheered as the roof closed at John Cain Arena, where play between eighth-seeded American Taylor Fritz and Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili had been halted until the roof could be shut.

Play on all outdoor courts has been suspended indefinitely at the Australian Open. Picture: Getty Images

Spanish player Garbine Muguruza was forced to take a medical time-out during her first round match against Belgian star Elise Mertens as she struggled with the heat on Tuesday morning. Picture: Getty Images

Australian Jordan Thompson was among players affected by the match suspensions, with his game against American JJ Wolf halted in the second set with Thompson up 3-1, after losing the first 3-6.

Queensland wildcard Kimberly Birrell pulled off a tremendous upset win before the delays over seeded Estonian Kaia Kanepi, with her 3-6, 7-6, 6-1 victory met with raucous cheers at Kia Arena.