The French Open is experiencing unseasonably high temperatures of around 34C. Players are managing the heat with ice bags and portable fans, while adjusting to faster court conditions.
Key points
French Open temperatures reach about 34C
Players use ice bags and portable fans to cope
Heat affects court conditions, making balls fly faster
Aryna Sabalenka comments on temperature changes
Tennis players are accustomed to competing in high temperatures - but not necessarily at the French Open.
Unseasonably hot weather in Paris has seen the clay-court Grand Slam begin in temperatures of about 34C.
With humidity relatively low, the scorching sun has not hampered too many players physically, with bags of ice and high-tech portable fans keeping them cool on court.
The biggest challenge so far has been the change in court conditions.
"When I first got here, it was 14 degrees - like, freezing. Now it's boiling hot, balls are flying and everything is much faster," world number one Aryna Sabalenka said.
Some players are thriving on the livelier surfaces - but others are cursing them.
Who benefits from firmer courts?
The heatwave is a result of a so-called "heat dome", external - the warm air from northern Africa trapped under a high-pressure system over western Europe.
The sun hardens up the clay and creates a faster surface that generally favours bigger servers, more aggressive returners and players who hit with top-spin.
When conditions are cold and potentially damp, the balls are heavier and slower. That means a player has more control of their shots and can build up through the points, relying on skill and craft.
Rafael Nadal, who became known as the 'King of Clay' after winning 14 men's Roland Garros singles titles, thrived in the hotter conditions.
While not a huge server, Nadal used the higher bounce to devastating effect as it allowed his top-spin returns to jump out of his opponent's strike zone.
Iga Swiatek deals with a higher bouncing ball in her 6-1 6-2 win over Australia's Emerson JonesImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Iga Swiatek deals with a higher bouncing return in her 6-1 6-2 win over Emerson Jones
Four-time women's champion Iga Swiatek, who recently spent time with her idol on the practice court, benefits from a similar play.
"It's a bit easier to play higher and with spin. The ball is bouncing off the court faster, so that gives you more advantage," she said.
Q&A
What temperatures are players facing at the French Open 2023?
Players are competing in temperatures of about 34C at the French Open.
How are tennis players coping with the heat at the French Open?
Players are using bags of ice and high-tech portable fans to stay cool during matches.
What impact does the heat have on court conditions at the French Open?
The heat has made the balls fly faster, changing the court conditions significantly.
Who commented on the temperature changes at the French Open?
World number one Aryna Sabalenka noted the drastic change from 14 degrees to boiling hot temperatures.
Trial of US priest charged with sexual assault begins with jury selection
The trial of Texas priest Anthony Odiong, charged with sexual assault, began with jury selection. He faces multiple counts of first and second-degree sexual assault involving three women and could face life imprisonment if convicted.
See every story in News — including breaking news and analysis.
"But first you need to have control over the ball, because it is playing faster in the air and it's easier to put it out."
Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas, runner-up at Roland Garros in 2021, believes the added bounce could help as he looks to revive his stalling career.
"The heat gives me a little bit of an extra edge," said former world number three Tsitsipas, who has fallen to 79th in the rankings.
"It allows me to have a more lively ball and I feel like my strengths are amplified in those sort of conditions."
Russian sixth seed Daniil Medvedev said he was not physically affected by the heat in his first-round exit against Australia's Adam Walton, but his game is not as well suited to the livelier conditions.
Medvedev hits flatter on his groundstrokes, meaning the ball stays lower on the clay and allows his opponents to return more comfortably.
"I don't think the heat played any role except that it's just a bit different to play in the heat on clay, but again, that's just normal," said Medvedev.
"I know why I don't really play my best in Roland Garros, but if I say it, it's excuses. So I keep it to myself."
Jannik Sinner wipes his face with a towel during French Open practiceImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Jannik Sinner managed to land Tuesday's night-time session on Court Philippe Chatrier for his first-round match
The conditions could potentially be the biggest - or even only - obstacle to Jannik Sinner's career Grand Slam bid.
The Italian number one is the heaviest favourite since Nadal in his pomp after title wins in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome.
Sinner has previously encountered physical problems in the heat, and he cramped badly at this year's Australian Open in temperatures close to 40C.
It is no surprise to see Sinner playing his French Open first-round match in Tuesday's night session, where he will prefer the slightly cooler conditions.
As well as the physical benefit, it should allow Sinner to step in and take the ball early.
What are the heat rules at Roland Garros?
There have been very few examples of players wilting in the heat.
French Open organisers monitor the temperature in real time through two sensors - one on Court Philippe Chatrier and one on Court 14.
If the threshold is reached, a 10-minute break may be introduced after the second set of women's matches and the third set of men's matches.
If temperatures continue to rise, matches can be suspended until the heat drops.
The weather has not been severe enough for the heat policy to be invoked, but almost all the players have been using cooling mechanisms during matches.
Australia's Daria Kasatkina said she found it "very, very tough" physically.
"You can suddenly just get out of the bench and feel that your focus dropped," she said.
"This is a battle which you have to also win."
The heatwave in Paris is forecast to last until Saturday.
Aryna Sabalenka cools down on courtImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Aryna Sabalenka used a hi-tech gadget - which has a high-speed fan, misting fan and cooling plate - on court
Fans get splashed by French Open sprinklersImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Fans have enjoyed being sprinkled by the water from the hoses which groundstaff use to soften the clay after each set
