Pull plug, says Monfils

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 last night conceded he took a risk with his health after becoming distressed and disoriented in his loss to 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 Arena in extreme conditions.

One of the triggers is ambient temperature hitting 40C.

Monfils repeatedly hunched over between points against Djokovic as the temperature soared.

“I’m sick to the stomach. I’m tired and dizzy,” Monfils told medical staff. Djokovic described conditions as “brutal”.