No quick respite at ‘roasting’ French Open as players, ball kids wilt

PARIS, May 27 — Temperatures at the French Open are set to rise over the coming days, having already reached uncomfortable levels for everyone involved at Roland Garros, although cooler weather is expected next week, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

The latest Paris forecasts, which include yellow warnings for extreme heat from today to Friday, could lead to mandatory extra breaks for players if the so-called Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds the 32.2 degrees Celsius threshold specified in the rules.

The WBGT is used to determine heat stress on the human body, with factors such as humidity, solar radiation, and wind taken into account.

However, heat measures were not triggered in the first three days of the clay Grand Slam, despite conditions described as “roasting” by Germany’s Laura Siegemund.

Andrey Rublev’s first-round match against Ignacio Buse had to be briefly interrupted after a ball girl became unsteady on her feet and nearly fainted.

Meanwhile, Canadian Gabriel Diallo retired in the first round due to extreme heat.

Strong sunshine is also causing problems when players serve while looking up, with several taking to wearing sunglasses.

German tennis icon Boris Becker said the only silver lining was that the heat risks are now taken more seriously in tennis.

“You can’t explain to any young player today how we used to be treated back then,” Becker, who won six Grand Slam titles between 1985 and 1996, told Eurosport.

“God help you if you complained back then, you were nothing other than a wimp. I think it’s good that it’s different today and that the players are protected.”

Spectators are also struggling, and most have tried to seek out shady spots on the Roland Garros grounds. There have also been long queues in front of the water dispensers and sunscreen stands.

Relief is not expected until Sunday, when temperatures are set to fall to 24 degrees Celsius. — Bernama-dpa

المصدر: Malay Mail