Different tennisplayers critisized the organisation of the Australian Open because they let tennissers play their games in 40 degrees Celcius and more.

Canedian Franc Dancevic (picture) passed out because of the exterme heat during his first round game against French Benoit Paire and had to be medically cared. “They just don’t stop organising games in these circumstances until somebody dies”, stated 29-year old Dancevic to the BBC. “This is cruel. In whole my life I’ve played a lot of five-setters. If I get a heat stroke after only 1.5 set, that’s not normal!”

According to Andy Murray the inceident with Dancevic can cause harm to the Australian Open. “The sports making a poor figure when people collapse”, explained the number 4 from the world at a persconference. “The circumstances are extermely tricky. I don’t know if it’s safe. There are examples in other sports where athletes collapse. You don’t want to harm anybody”, finished the 26-year old Scot, who conquered Japanese Go Soeda in three sets (6-1, 6-1, 6-3) in the first round.

However, the organisation took measures. First, the shifts from the ballboys and –girls are shortened to 45 instead of 60 minutes to not be exposed to heat so long. In the single games for women and juniors there’s an exceptional break from 10 minutes between the second and third set.

But, according to Babette Pluim, tied doctor of the Dutch tennisfederation, it is safe to play tennis in these circumstances: http://nos.nl/l/597540 

 

Resources: nos.nl & vandaag.be