Wild Jannik Sinner conspiracy theory shot down as Australian Open heat rules explained
MELBOURNE: A short snippet of Craig Tiley and Darren Cahill interacting on Saturday sent conspiracy theorists into hot sweats.
The Australian Open third round match between Jannik Sinner and Eliot Spizzirri had just been suspended after the tournament's 'heat stress scale' reached five.
All matches were suspended at that time and roofs went up at Melbourne Park's three tennis arenas - Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena.
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Jannik Sinner of Italy talks with his team members. Getty
Defending champion Sinner admitted he got "lucky."
The Italian superstar was clearly distressed in the heat and little-known American Eliot Spizzirri held a shock 6-4 3-6, 3-1 lead at the time.
Vision of AO boss Tiley and Sinner's coach Cahill then sharing a brief exchange indoors sent some Sinner haters into a meltdown online, convinced that tournament organisers had stepped in to save the world No.2.
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Craig Tiley and Darren Cahill. Nine
Leading Australian mentor Cahill had earlier been heard issuing instructions to the ailing 24-year-old.
"We have to get through to the end of the third set mate," Cahill said.
"Even if you walk around, don't worry. We'll take the blame."
When play resumed under much cooler conditions, Sinner breezed past Spizzirri in four sets.
"I applaud the tournament, given how much more physical the game is today than what it was back then. I think it (heat rule) is sensible," Nine commentator Jim Courier said.
Temperatures of 45 degrees are forecast in Melbourne on Tuesday, and the heat stress scale will almost certainly see the retractable roofs covering the main courts again.
"I know the players will be well versed in the procedures that happen," John Millman said on Stan Sport's Grand Slam Daily.
"As long as they prepare mentally for it, and also they did their preparation yesterday, that's where you have to prepare.
"Make sure you've got all your fluids, make sure that nutrition's good, but as soon as those roofs close, it becomes a bit of a non-factor."
Chris Stubbs and John Millman on Grand Slam Daily. Stan
What is the Australian Open heat stress scale?
The Australian Open extreme heat protocol was developed to provide fair and consistent playing conditions for all players while also ensuring those conditions minimise the risk of heat-related illness in players.
It takes into account the four environmental parameters that contribute to heat stress (air temperature, radiant heat, humidity and wind speed).
It also takes into account the extent to which a person can control the rise in their body temperature and the physiological cost of doing so.
These complex equations are expressed as a heat stress scale with "stratified thresholds for cooling interventions."
In the event of extreme heat, the referee has the right to suspend play or order a cooling break.
The heat stress scale has a scale of one to five.
Readings are continually made throughout each day of the Australian Open, including qualifying.
Luciano Darderi. Supplied
When is play suspended?
Any matches in progress on outdoor courts at the time the heat stress scale reaches the following:
Women's and men's singles and doubles: 5
Junior singles and doubles: 4.9
Wheelchair singles and doubles: 4.6
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain tries to stay cool with a wet towel alongside his team. Getty
Play will continue until the end of an even number of games in that set (or completion of a tie break, if applicable).
At the completion of the even number of games in that set (or completion of the tie break, if applicable), play will be suspended.
In these circumstances the referee will also suspend all outdoor practice sessions.
A spectator sits on a deckchair on Garden Square as she drinks from a water bottle. Getty
When can play resume?
During a suspension of play, the referee will continually review the conditions and the heat stress scale to determine when play can be resumed.
Once the referee has decided to resume play, each player will be given at least 30 minutes' notice prior to the resumption of play.
Announcements will be made via the public address system.
