French Open Players Experience Unprecedented Heat

The French Open at Roland Garros is seeing record heat, reminiscent of the Paris Olympics held in July and August 2024. Opening days have recorded temperatures soaring to 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit), which is unusual for late May. Forecasts suggest the heat will continue throughout the first week, impacting both the players and fans.

Tennis players have noted significant changes in game conditions due to the heat. Four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek mentioned how it’s a different experience from the Olympics despite similar temperatures because the balls were different during the Olympics. Swiatek won against Emerson Jones, 6-1, 6-2, in the first round under these conditions.

Players are using ice bags around their necks during changeovers to stay cool, and fans are seeking relief under sprinklers. Additionally, court workers are spraying spectators with hoses when they water courts between sets.

Daria Kasatkina, a Russian-born Australian, noted the energy-sapping nature of the heat after her victory over Zeynep Sonmez, 6-4, 6-4. She emphasized the struggle to maintain focus during matches and the need to adapt to the conditions.

The heat has also influenced player health, with Canadian Gabriel Diallo retiring mid-match against James Duckworth due to the temperature. Both Andrey Rublev and Ignacio Buse required medical attention during their long 3-hour, 39-minute match, with Buse taking a medical timeout and Rublev receiving treatment.

The French Open’s extreme weather policy comes into play under such circumstances. When the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) hits 30.1 degrees C (86 F), cooling breaks occur between the second and third sets in women’s matches and between the third and fourth sets in men’s matches. Suspension of play occurs if WBGT reaches 32.2 degrees C (90 F), which corresponds to air temperatures around 38 C (100 F).

Not all players find the heat detrimental. Fast-court players like Alex de Minaur and Alex Michelsen appreciate the lively conditions. De Minaur feels he can be more aggressive due to the ball’s faster movement and the physical nature of the conditions. Michelsen noted the advantage for players accustomed to big serves and offensive play, citing the rapid ball movement as beneficial.

For updated information on tennis, visit: AP Tennis.