Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev has expressed his concerns about the extreme heat conditions at the Australian Open, stating that players could “die” if forced to continue playing in such conditions. Medvedev’s comments came after his second-round win over Spanish player Pedro Martinez at Melbourne Park.
The 24-year-old tennis player criticized the decision to allow play to continue despite the scorching temperatures. He argued that the health and safety of the players should be the top priority and that the extreme heat could have serious consequences.
Medvedev’s comments were made in response to a question about the heat policy implemented by the Australian Open organizers. The policy allows for the suspension of play if the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reaches a certain level. However, Medvedev believes that this policy is not sufficient to protect the players from the potential dangers of extreme heat.
The Russian player went on to explain that while he understands the importance of completing matches and providing entertainment for the fans, the players’ health should always come first. He emphasized that the extreme heat can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and even more serious health issues, which could ultimately put their lives at risk.
Medvedev’s concerns are not unfounded, as several players have struggled with the heat during previous editions of the Australian Open. In 2018, French player Alize Cornet suffered from heatstroke during her match against Belgian player Elise Mertens. The following year, Canadian player Denis Shapovalov had to retire from his match due to heat exhaustion.
The Australian Open has faced criticism in the past for its handling of extreme weather conditions. In 2014, Canadian player Frank Dancevic collapsed on the court due to heatstroke, leading to calls for better protocols to protect the players.
Despite the concerns raised by Medvedev and other players, the Australian Open organizers have defended their heat policy. They argue that the WBGT is a scientifically proven measure of heat stress and that the safety and well-being of the players are their top priorities.
In response to Medvedev’s comments, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley stated that they take the issue of extreme heat very seriously and have implemented various measures to ensure the players’ safety. These measures include providing shaded areas, ice baths, and additional medical staff on-site.
The debate around player safety in extreme weather conditions is likely to continue as the Australian Open progresses. With temperatures expected to rise further in the coming days, the organizers will face increasing scrutiny regarding their heat policy and its effectiveness in protecting the players’ health.
