A tearful goodbye and a beer for Stan Wawrinka at the Australian Open, while Jannik Sinner's match was saved by the sun's rays. Here's a quick rundown of the day's highlights.
The Heat is On
Melbourne sizzled under the January sun, with temperatures soaring well into the evening. The city baked at 35°C by 2 pm, and by 5:26 pm, it hit a scorching 38.5°C, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. But the Australian Open's heat policy considers more than just the temperature. It uses the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) metric, which also accounts for humidity, providing a more accurate assessment of the conditions' impact on athletes and the associated risks.
The Australian Open's Extreme Heat Policy, with its five-point Heat Stress Scale (HSS), is designed to protect players. Once the WBGT reaches a certain level, triggering the HSS's level five, the roofs on the main courts are closed, and play is halted on outdoor courts. It's a complex system, and with more hot days forecast, it's worth understanding, as stoppages are likely to continue.
The Show Must Go On (Under Cover)
When the main courts closed their roofs, the show went on, but it was a tough day for a five-set battle. Italian seed Lorenzo Musetti and Czech player Tomas Machac didn't let that deter them, battling it out on John Cain Arena. It was a seesaw match, with Musetti eventually prevailing 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2. The highlight? An incredible post-point skill that was both pointless and impressive.
Then there was Valentin Vacherot's ridiculous return against Ben Shelton, a moment of brilliance that ultimately led to losing the point - a tremendous waste of talent!
Inglis' Unexpected Turn of Events
Maddison Inglis must have felt a mix of emotions when she learned that her opponent, champion Naomi Osaka, had to withdraw due to injury. On one hand, disappointment at missing out on a dream match-up on Rod Laver Arena. But on the other, sheer luck and excitement at the opportunity to continue her Australian Open journey.
Inglis said, "It's unbelievable. It doesn't really feel real. Ever since I qualified, it's been a blur. I'll look back and be super proud, remembering these amazing memories." While the memories of this night might not be what she envisioned, she gets another chance to shine, with a fourth-round match against Iga Świątek.
A Toast to Stan Wawrinka
Stan Wawrinka has been a fan favorite at Melbourne Park, long before his breakthrough grand slam title in 2014. Given a wildcard entry this year, his emotional farewell was always on the cards. And so it was on Saturday night, after a gallant effort against Taylor Fritz in the third round.
Wawrinka fought back tears as he sat on his bench, then joined tournament director Craig Tiley on the court to thank the adoring crowd. He signed off his Open career in true Australian style, grabbing two beers from his bag and sharing one with Tiley. "I'm sad to leave, but it's been an amazing journey," he said. "I saw you enjoying the tennis, supporting us, and cheering for us. And I saw you drinking. Now I'd like to join you. Cheers everybody, and thank you so much." A fitting tribute to a beloved player.
Novak Djokovic Reaches a New Milestone
Until Saturday night, no man had ever won 400 grand slam matches. Now, Novak Djokovic stands alone on that list. His straight-sets victory over Botic van de Zandschulp was also his 102nd at the Australian Open, tying Roger Federer's record.
Despite the historic achievement, Djokovic seemed frustrated with the crowd, who were vocal and rowdy throughout. When asked by Jim Courier what advice he'd give his younger self 400 wins ago, his response was telling: "Calm down, you jerk." A moment of honesty from the Serbian star, who will no doubt reflect on this milestone with a mix of emotions.
