Record Heat Challenges Players at French Open
PARIS (AP) — Tennis players at the French Open are experiencing some of the hottest conditions seen at Roland Garros, reminiscent of the Paris Olympics held during the summer months.
The initial days of the clay-court Grand Slam have seen temperatures soar to 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit), unusual for late May in Paris, with forecasts indicating the heat will persist throughout the first week.
The intense heat has not only made conditions challenging for both players and spectators but has also impacted the pace of the game due to faster court conditions.
“It is much different. Maybe it was that hot in the Olympics but the balls were different, so I wouldn’t treat it as the same tournament,” remarked four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek after her victory over Emerson Jones with scores of 6-1, 6-2.
To combat the heat, players have been using ice bags during breaks, and spectators have sought relief under sprinklers or by being sprayed with hoses when the courts are watered between sets.
“I don’t remember the last time it was so hot at Roland Garros,” said Daria Kasatkina following her win against Zeynep Sonmez, adding that the weather could lead to more unpredictable matches.
“You can suddenly just get out of the bench and feel that your focus dropped,” she noted. “So this is a battle which you have to also win. … Whoever adapts better to today’s conditions gets it.”
Player Struggles and Medical Interventions
Canadian player Gabriel Diallo cited the heat as the primary reason for retiring from his match against James Duckworth. Meanwhile, during a lengthy match between Andrey Rublev and Ignacio Buse, both players required medical assistance. Buse took a medical timeout for electrolyte replenishment, while Rublev needed treatment later in the match.
The heat also took a toll on a ball girl, who needed medical attention after appearing faint.
Adapting to Extreme Weather
Despite typically cooler conditions at the French Open compared to the Australian and U.S. Opens, the tournament has adopted an extreme weather policy. If the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) hits 30.1 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher, cooling breaks are allowed. Play is paused if it reaches 32.2 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit), corresponding to an air temperature of about 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit).
Embracing the Heat
Some players see the heat as advantageous. Australian player Alex de Minaur noted, “I’ve always preferred hot and lively conditions to chilly on a clay court,” after defeating Toby Samuel. He explained that the conditions allow for a more aggressive play style.
Similarly, American player Alex Michelsen, who won against Alexander Shevchenko, expressed satisfaction with the weather: “It’s definitely good for us Americans… When it’s super hot, the ball is moving through the air very fast. … I was so happy when I saw the forecast.”
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