Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 champion at the US Open, has expressed concern over the extreme heat conditions at this year’s tournament. With temperatures nearing 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), Medvedev warned that the heat could have serious consequences for players, saying, One player is gonna die, and they’re gonna see. The searing heat has taken a toll on players throughout the tournament, with some struggling to cope with the extreme conditions.
Medvedev’s comments came after his victory over Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals, a match that saw both players struggle in the heat. The Russian player used an inhaler during a changeover, and Rublev appeared visibly exhausted as the match progressed. Medvedev described the conditions as brutal and noted that he couldn’t see the ball clearly towards the end of the first set.
The searing heat at the US Open is not an isolated incident. An analysis by The Associated Press shows that Grand Slam tournaments have been feeling hotter in recent decades, reflecting the effects of climate change and the heatwaves experienced around the world. As a result, players are resorting to various measures to stay cool, including using ice in plastic bags or wrapped in towels, as well as relying on courtside tubes blowing cold air.
The US Tennis Association has implemented new measures to provide some relief from the heat, including partially closing the retractable roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium to provide shade for spectators and players. While this has helped in shading more fans, it has created a new challenge of shadows making it difficult for players to see the tennis balls.
Despite the challenging conditions, some players have been better prepared to handle the heat than others. Aryna Sabalenka, who won her quarterfinal match against Zheng Qinwen, attributed her success to her training base in Florida, which has prepared her for the intense heat and humidity. The Belarusian player, who is set to become the new world No. 1 in the WTA rankings, credited her training in Florida for helping her stay strong and avoid getting tired due to the heat.
In the men’s draw, Medvedev will face either defending champion Carlos Alcaraz or 2020 runner-up Alexander Zverev in the semifinals. Regardless of the opponent, Medvedev will have to endure the heat once again as he continues his quest for the US Open title.
The extreme heat conditions at this year’s US Open have highlighted the challenges that players face in such extreme weather. As temperatures continue to rise and climate change becomes more pronounced, finding ways to ensure the safety and well-being of players during tournaments will be a priority for tennis authorities.
