Heat Wave Upends Australian Open as Temperatures Hit 45C

The Australian Open tennis tournament rescheduled matches and activated extreme-heat protocols as temperatures in parts of Melbourne climbed to as high as 45.6C (114F).

As quarterfinals at the Grand Slam got under way on Tuesday, tournament officials moved to implement special rules introduced in 2019, including cooling breaks and the possible suspension of play on outdoor courts. The wheelchair championships will be postponed by 24 hours, and additional protections put in place for staff, the tournament’s organizer said in a statement.