Australian Open to start earlier Saturday over forecast 40C heat

Play will start in Melbourne at 10:30 am on the main arenas, compared to the normal 11:00 or 11:30 am. Other courts will start match action as early as 10:00 am, with organisers warning spectators to take precautions against the extreme heat and sun. "We expect pleasant conditions tomorrow morning, in the mid-20s, and will start play earlier and take advantage of the more temperate conditions," tournament director Craig Tiley said. Novak Djokovic and reigning champions Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys are all scheduled to play on Saturday.