Sweltering heat, humidity challenge players at US Open; Some relief on the way
Stifling hot and humid weather greeted players and fans in Flushing, New York, early this week at the 2018 U.S. Open.
Six players were forced to retire from matches on Tuesday, Aug. 28, with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) saying five of the withdrawals were "heat-related."
One player retired from a match on Wednesday, but did so due to an ankle injury.
Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, puts an ice towel to his face during a changeover in his match against Marton Fucsovics, of Hungary, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Calm, humid and sunny conditions have pushed RealFeel Temperatures to dangerous levels much of this week.
"Tuesday's extreme heat in New York City was especially bad in the portion of Queens where the U.S. Open took place, which is close to LaGuardia Airport where the mercury reached 98 F, the highest reading of any New York area airport on Tuesday," AccuWeather Meteorologist Bill Deger said.
The combination of the sun, temperature and humidity led to some heat-related illnesses at the event, as the AccuWeather RealFeel® temperature peaked at 102 F in the afternoon.
Those planning to attend the tournament can download the free AccuWeather app to stay aware of the latest temperature trends.
The dangerously hot conditions led tournament organizers to implement an "extreme heat" policy in men's matches for the first time, according to BBC News.
The "extreme heat" policy for men's matches was announced in a news conference at the U.S. Open tennis tournament on Tuesday.
The women's WTA Tour already has a rule that offers a 10-minute break before the third set when the heat stress index is at least 86 F.
U.S. Tennis Association spokesman Chris Widmaier speaks about the decision to have an "extreme heat" policy for the first time for U.S. Open men's matches during a news conference at the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
“Having seen what we were seeing with the heat and humidity out there, we thought it was the reasonable and the appropriate thing to do, to institute something to give the men the opportunity,” said David Brewer, the U.S. Open tournament director.
Multiple players have spoken up about the dangerously hot conditions. Novak Djokovic, the former No. 1 overall player in the world, and his Hungarian opponent, Márton Fucsovics, were the first players to take a break after both suffered in the high temperatures.
"It wasn't fun to play in the heat," Fucsovics, who lost in four sets, said to BBC News. "I was dying after each point. It was too hot for tennis. It's dangerous."
"You have to be fit, of course. I agree with that. But there are some conditions that are so extreme that, as fit as you are, you can't just not feel it," Fucsovics added.
There will be some relief from heat on Friday.
"A cold front will provide some pleasant relief for the matches on Friday," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Matt Rinde said.
Showers and thunderstorms could stick around through the weekend as well, though a washout is not expected.
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