Slow start but Barty through
Better to walk than be carried out
FRENCH star Gael Monfils says players should not baulk at withdrawing from Australian Open matches today, saying he was “dying” on centre court yesterday.
Monfils conceded last night he took a risk with his health after becoming distressed and disoriented in his loss to six-time champion Novak Djokovic. The reflected heat on Rod Laver Arena hit 69C and the ambient measure 39.9C. Worse is to come today with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting a top of 42C.
The tournament will activate its extreme heat policy and suspend matches on outside courts and close the roof on Rod Laver, Margaret Court and Hisense arenas in extreme conditions. One of the triggers is ambient temperature breaching 40C.
“Good luck for the guys — Honestly, good luck for the guys,” Monfils said.
“I train this winter in Miami. Was pretty hot. I thought I was very good. I’m telling you, I was dying on the court for 40 minutes.
“Good luck to them. I think sometimes, yeah, we put our body at risk. Just be smart.
“If you have to give up, you know, it’s not a shame.”
Monfils repeatedly hunched over between points against Djokovic as the temperature soared at Melbourne Park.
“I’m sick to the stomach. I’m tired and dizzy,” he told medical staff as he tried to walk off the court.
Djokovic described conditions as “brutal”.