Andy Murray, Frank Dancevic Slam “Inhumane” Australian Open Conditions

Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has attacked the Australian Open for refusing to take proper precautions, as extreme heat continues to plague Melbourne. Speaking to the UK’s Telegraph this morning, he’s warned that playing on 42-degree days, like that which occurred yesterday, could lead to heart attacks — and bad PR for the sport. “As much as it’s easy to say the conditions are safe, it only takes one bad thing to happen,” he said. “And it looks terrible for the whole sport when people are collapsing, ball kids are collapsing, people in the stands are collapsing.”

His comments follow those of Canadian Frank Dancevic, who fainted after a set yesterday and was forced to finish playing Benoit Paire after he recovered. “I think it’s inhumane,” Dancevic told reporters. “I don’t think it’s fair to anybody, to the players, to the fans, to the sport, when you see players pulling out of matches, passing out … It’s hazardous to be out there, it’s dangerous. It’s been an hour and a half after my match and I still can’t pee.” On the same day, Chinese player Peng Shuai vomited at the side of the court and a ball boy collapsed.

The situation isn’t helped by the tournament’s convoluted ‘Extreme Heat Policy‘, which doesn’t specify when the heat is too hot, has different rules for different genders, and forces players to continue until the end of the set.

The Australian Open Extreme Heat Policy (EHP) will be applied at the Referee’s discretion and may be altered at any time.

At the Referee’s discretion, when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature only (WBGT) is equal to or above the pre-determined threshold, the Referee may suspend the commencement of any further matches on outside courts.

Any matches currently in progress will continue until the end of the current set. At the completion of the set, play will be suspended.

Where play in any match commences outdoors (or with a roof open) at the Referee’s Discretion, the match will continue until the completion of the set. At the end of the set, a decision may be made by the Referee to close the roof for the remainder of the match and the following matches, when the EHP is still in effect.

The roof will only be closed because of extreme heat if a decision has been made by the Referee to suspend the completion or commencement of matches on the outdoor courts.

Supplement for women’s singles and junior singles only; to allow a 10 minute break between the second and third sets when a WBGT reading of 28 has been recorded prior to the calling of the match by Tournament Control. Readings are continually made throughout the day.

The 10 minute break will not apply between the second and third sets, if play had previously been suspended after the first set due to the EHP

Roger Federer, who continues to exhibit a steadfast refusal to sweat, believes heat is psychological. “It’s just a mental thing,” he said. “If you’ve trained hard enough your entire life, and you believe you can come through it, there’s no reason [to quit].”

That guy.

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Feature image via Daily Record