Melbourne Park Faces Desertion in Australian Open Crisis
Melbourne Park is experiencing a significant drop in attendance during the Australian Open, coinciding with the hottest temperatures in 17 years. On Tuesday, the city is forecasted to reach 45°C, with the heat taking a toll on spectators and players alike.
Attendance Crisis at the Australian Open
Due to the extreme heat, attendance has plummeted by more than a third. The day session saw only 21,226 spectators, compared to 32,912 in the previous year. On Saturday, attendance dropped by 11,017 as temperatures hit 38.5°C.
Conditions at Melbourne Park
Outdoor viewing and dining areas that typically draw crowds were eerily quiet. Many seats were left unoccupied, and queues for food and drinks were nonexistent. The Bureau of Meteorology notes that temperatures are expected to remain above 40°C well into the evening.
- Tuesday Attendance: 21,226
- Last Year Attendance: 32,912
- Temperature on Saturday: 38.5°C
- Predicted Temperature on Tuesday: 45°C
Measures Taken to Combat Heat
The Australian Open has implemented a Heat Stress Scale (HSS) to manage player safety. This scale features five levels, addressing air temperature, radiant heat, humidity, wind speed, and the players’ physiological responses.
Heat Stress Scale Details
| HSS Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 5 | Play suspended on outdoor courts; roof closed on arena courts. |
| 4 | Cooling breaks permitted; timeouts introduced during matches. |
On Tuesday, the roof of Rod Laver Arena was closed before 2 PM when the HSS reached level five, ensuring player safety during matches. Conditions were so extreme that practice and outdoor play were suspended.
Players Respond to Extreme Conditions
Despite the heat, players have shown determination. Australia’s Alex de Minaur is unperturbed, stating he is used to such conditions. He mentioned that closed-roof matches provide a different dynamic and are easier to handle.
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz echoed similar sentiments, focusing on adapting to the environment and maintaining a competitive spirit, regardless of the roof situation.
Fan Experience in the Heat
Some fans enduring the conditions reported the heat as almost unbearable. A visitor from Ireland remarked, “We’re kind of dying on the inside but we came anyway.” Others found some relief, noting that shorter queues for food provided a slight benefit amid the oppressive heat.
The combination of soaring temperatures and reduced attendance exemplifies the challenges faced at Melbourne Park during this year’s Australian Open, making it a truly historic event for all involved.
