Heat wave at French Open impacts the clay courts and sends fans to sprinklers
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Temperatures at the French Open have reached 33°C (91°F), the hottest since the Paris Olympics, significantly affecting playing conditions and making the clay courts faster than usual.
- Players are using ice bags during changeovers and fans are cooling off under sprinklers, with court watering sometimes directed at spectators to help them cope with the heat.
- The extreme heat has led to physical challenges, including medical timeouts for players like Andrey Rublev and Ignacio Buse, and a retirement by Gabriel Diallo due to heat-related issues.
- The French Open has implemented a heat protocol similar to other Grand Slams, allowing cooling breaks and potential suspension of play if the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature reaches critical levels.
- Some players, such as Alex de Minaur and Alex Michelsen, welcome the hot conditions as it suits their aggressive playing style, making the ball bounce faster and favoring offensive strategies.