U.S. Open 2018: Heat rule implemented as temperatures rise | Tennis

August 28, 2018 John Tennis 0

U.S. Open officials implemented the heat rule as temperatures soared on Day 2 at Flushing Meadows.

Novak Djokovic was among those feeling the effects of grueling conditions in New York, with concerns growing following a high number of retirements. His match against Marton Fucsovics of Hungary lasted over three hours in the scorching heat, and ended in a victory for Djokovic.

“Well, we obviously both struggled,” he said. “You could see that, you could feel that. Before (the third set) it was survival mode, really.”

The WTA has a ruling which permits players to take a break between the second and third sets, while the men will have the option of a 10-minute interval before the start of the fourth set due to the heat and humidity Tuesday.

The tournament shared the rule via Twitter saying: “Upon the recommendation of the #USOpen medical team, the Extreme Heat Policy will be implemented immediately for men’s matches. The men will be offered a 10-min. break between the 3rd and 4th set.

“The Tournament Referee, along with the medical team, will continue to monitor conditions.”

Czech tennis player, Petra Kvitova came through her first-round match with Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium in straight sets and the fifth seed was delighted to get off court in 72 minutes.

“I think I was pretty lucky to play first on today, definitely,” Kvitova said. “I knew it was going to be very hot, but I couldn’t imagine how horrible the heat was, it was pretty difficult conditions.

“When we played longer, it was hotter and hotter and was tougher.

“The ice towels helped a lot, of course. When you are playing, you are not just really thinking about it. But when you stop for a while, then you feel the heat from the ground, as well. It was also the humidity.”

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