Organizers at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, who had been slammed for forcing players to play on in searing temperatures on January 14-15, enacted the third stage of their "Extreme Heat Policy" for the first time on January 16. Play would continue in all matches until the end of the ongoing set and then cease until conditions eased, a statement said.
Australian Open Enacts 'Extreme Heat Policy'
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Jerzy Janowicz of Poland cools down during the Australian Open tennis tournament on January 16.
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Kei Nishikori of Japan holds an ice pack to his face during his men's singles match against Dusan Lajovic of Serbia at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 16.
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Tennis fans cool off in a fountain on January 16.
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David Ferrer of Spain cools off with an ice pack during his men's singles match against Adrian Mannarino of France on January 15.
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Children cool off in front of misting fans at the Australian Open on January 15.
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Nikolai Davydenko of Russia holds an ice pack on his head during a break in play in his men's singles match against Richard Gasquet of France on January 15.
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Spectators cool off with popsicles in front of a misting fan on January 15.
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Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium cools off during her women's singles match against Casey Dellacqua of Australia on January 15.
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A boy places his face close to the nozzles of a misting fan at the Australian Open on January 15.
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Adrian Mannarino of France holds an ice pack to his face during his men's singles match against David Ferrer of Spain on January 15.
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Ernests Gulbis of Lativa holds a towel over his head during a break in play in his men's singles match against Sam Querrey of the United States on January 15.