Organisers, players and spectators were preparing for another punishing day of heat at the Australian Open on Tuesday, with forecasts predicting temperatures could climb to 45°C (113°F) at Melbourne Park.

Entry queues were noticeably shorter than usual, while concourses across the expansive venue were quieter despite the tournament attracting record crowds this year.

Action on the outer courts began at 9:00am local time, while world number one Aryna Sabalenka opened play on Rod Laver Arena at 11:30am against 29th seed Iva Jovic, with temperatures already sitting in the low 30s.

With conditions expected to intensify into the mid-40s as the day progressed, organisers were preparing to activate the Australian Open’s extreme heat policy by early afternoon. This would see play halted on outside courts, while matches on the main show courts would continue once retractable roofs were closed.

Wheelchair Championship matches have been postponed by 24 hours due to the forecast, and fans have been urged to wear hats, stay hydrated and take advantage of the misting fans positioned throughout Melbourne Park.

Additional safeguards have been introduced for tournament staff, including shorter on-court shifts for ball kids, longer recovery periods and extra relief teams.

The Australian Open’s extreme heat policy takes into account factors such as air temperature, radiant heat, wind speed and humidity, giving officials the authority to suspend or delay play when conditions become unsafe. The tournament’s Heat Stress Scale was expected to reach level five — its maximum threshold — early in the day.

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