Melbourne Heat Forces Australian Open to Pause Outdoor Play and Close Roofs
Melbourne's extreme heat at the Australian Open triggered the Heat Stress Scale, forcing roof closures on the main show courts and pausing outdoor play. Jannik Sinner battled cramping against Eliot Spizzirri before a 10-minute cooling break was taken after the third set; Musetti and Machac paused on John Cain Arena and later finished under a roof, while Nosková's match on Kia Arena also paused due to the lack of a roof. Play was not expected to resume on outdoor courts until about 5:30 p.m. local time, with Sinner ultimately winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.