Melbourne’s intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring towards 40°C (104°F), became a central character on Day Seven of the Australian Open, prompting tournament organizers to adjust schedules while elite athletes adapted their strategies for survival and victory.
American powerhouse Madison Keys demonstrated remarkable heat resilience, delivering a commanding 6-3, 6-3 victory over former world number one Karolina Pliskova in just 75 minutes on Rod Laver Arena. The 2018 finalist from Florida, well-acclimated to extreme conditions, expressed enthusiasm for the challenging environment. “I was excited for the heat today, and ready for it,” Keys stated following her impressive performance that sets up an all-American clash with compatriot Jessica Pegula.
Pegula, the tournament’s sixth seed, efficiently dispatched Russian qualifier Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-3, 6-2 in just 66 minutes, appreciating her early scheduling that spared her the worst of the afternoon heat.
The spotlight intensifies as Novak Djokovic continues his historic campaign for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title. The Serbian legend, scheduled for the evening session on Rod Laver Arena when temperatures are expected to moderate, faces 75th-ranked Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp. Djokovic has displayed dominant form through the early rounds, not dropping a single set while managing his match schedule carefully to maximize performance from his 38-year-old body.
Meanwhile, defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner seeks his third consecutive Melbourne title, facing American Eliot Spizzirri during what forecasters predict will be the day’s peak temperatures. The day’s schedule also features multiple major champions including Iga Swiatek, who aims to complete her career Grand Slam with an Australian Open victory, and two-time champion Naomi Osaka, who faces Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis.
The extreme conditions prompted tournament officials to implement heat policies, including the potential suspension of play and earlier match start times, ensuring player safety remains paramount during the challenging weather conditions.