The Australian Open is facing a scheduling disaster with almost half a day’s play lost due to Melbourne’s trademark four-seasons-in-a-day weather.
As of 10:15pm local time nine matches have been cancelled and moved to Wednesday (day three).
Both searing heat and torrential rain – described as a “mini-hurricane” by Nine host James Bracey – hit Melbourne Park during Tuesday interrupting dozens of Round 1 matches in the afternoon and then at night, as the tournament tried to play catch-up.
After a delay between 2pm and 5pm due to intense heat which reached over 37 degrees, 47 of the scheduled 64 matches were yet to be completed. When action was again halted at around 8pm, over 30 first-round clashes still needed to be played.
Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now…
