The Heat Factor: Determining Optimal Playing Conditions for a Grand Slam at the US Open 2023
The Impact of Extreme Heat in Tennis
In the scorching conditions at the US Open, some players have been pushed to their limits, experiencing sweating, dizziness, and even warning of potential fatality from Daniil Medvedev. As temperatures soared to around 35C during Thursday’s matches, it is important to examine how these extreme conditions affect players’ bodies and what measures are taken by organizers to protect them.
During a grueling two hours and 48 minutes match on Wednesday, both Medvedev and his opponent Andrey Rublev were physically and emotionally affected by the oppressive heat. While our average body temperature stands at around 37C, athletes pushing themselves in high temperatures can experience heat exhaustion when their bodies become excessively hot.
Symptoms such as increased breathlessness, cramps, light-headedness, and nausea may occur if proper cooling measures are not taken promptly. Failure to address these symptoms could lead to heatstroke which may result in a medical emergency.
To combat these challenging conditions during their quarter-final match at the US Open this year, Medvedev and Rublev resorted to creative methods including sitting under ice towels for relief from intense heat. They took lengthy bathroom breaks seeking shelter from direct sun exposure while also utilizing cold water showers whenever possible.
The excessive sweat produced due to the searing heat posed an additional problem for Medvedev who found himself wiping his sweat-drenched face so frequently that he claimed there was “no skin left on his nose”. These discomforts highlight just how demanding competing in extreme heat can be on athletes.
Some players, like Britain’s Andy Murray, have adapted their training regimens to simulate such conditions. In preparation for the US Open, Murray incorporated stationary bike sessions in his steam room with temperatures set at a scorching 35C (95F) and 70% humidity.
The dangerous effects of extreme heat are not new to the US Open. Back in 2018, Hungarian player Marton Fucsovics described the conditions as “dangerous” when five male players retired from their first-round matches due to heat-related issues. Consequently, tournament organizers implemented an extreme heat policy for men’s matches which prioritized player safety when temperatures reached a blistering 38C (100F) and humidity levels exceeded 50% in New York.
Unlike the ATP governing body that previously had discretionary rules regarding searing temperatures at the US Open, the WTA already had its own established extreme heat policy for female players. These policies aim to safeguard competitors by offering longer breaks between sets or even suspending play if necessary.
In desperate attempts to escape suffocating conditions during a first-round tie in 2018, Serb Novak Djokovic and Marton Fucsovics found refuge sitting side by side naked in an ice bath during longer set breaks.
Recognizing the need for additional shade and protection against oppressive heat this year, Arthur Ashe Stadium partially closed its roof on Tuesday once specific thresholds were crossed. Tournament referee Jake Garner stated that this new rule is enacted “in the best interest of fans and players”, ensuring they are shielded from unbearable conditions while competing.
Former world number one John McEnroe voiced concerns about player welfare after witnessing Medvedev and Rublev struggle on court: “These poor guys today… they looked like they’re going to fall over. It’s not humane in a way.” McEnroe suggested that the US Open organizers consider closing the roof during extreme heat situations to prioritize player well-being.
Interestingly, unlike the US Open, the Australian Open held in Melbourne every January allows for suspension of play on outside courts due to extreme heat. This tournament has had an extreme heat policy since 1998 which takes into account factors such as air temperature, sun strength, humidity levels, and wind speed.
In conclusion, coping with extreme heat presents significant challenges for tennis players. While different measures are taken across tournaments to ensure their safety and well-being during matches played under sweltering conditions, it is clear that more can be done to protect these athletes from potentially harmful consequences related to oppressive heat.