Extreme heat triggers suspension rule at baking Australian Open

Players, spectators and officials roasted on day seven at Melbourne Park, where temperatures were forecast to hit 40C in the late afternoon. The tournament has a Heat Stress Scale of 1-5, with five the highest. It hit five in the early afternoon, when it was about 36C, prompting the suspension. The third-round clash between Sinner and the American Eliot Spizzirri at Rod Laver Arena stopped for about 10 minutes, allowing time for the roof to shut. "Play is suspended for all matches and practice on outside courts," the tournament said on X.