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By Blair Henley / Sunday, January 12, 2014
Players will face temperatures well beyond 100 degrees
during the first week of Australian Open play. How do
players feel about it? Well, they aren’t jumping for
joy.
Photo Credit: Nicole Garmston
MELBOURNE, Australia — Less than 24 hours before the
first Australian Open match hits the court, the weather is
breezy and cool with a high of just 72 degrees. But things are
set to change on Monday as first-round play kicks off. Day One
boasts a high of 91 degrees followed by 104 and 107 degree
temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday. During their
pre-tournament press conferences, some of the top players gave
their thoughts on the extreme conditions to come.
READ: Tennis Now Magazine – Australian Open
Preview
Serena Williams:
How have you been coping with the cooler weather here
this year?
Yeah, no, it’s been putting me in a really bad mood. But
then it got really, really hot. I was very sad that I
complained, so I don’t complain any more about the weather
(smiles).
What do you do when it’s cool out to cope?
Well, I shiver, then I just stay indoors. I travel with a
blanket. If I go out to eat, I just always take my
blanket with me.
Actually looking forward to the 42 degree days to
come?
No, no, I’m not. That’s why I said I’m not going to
complain any more. I should have kept my mouth quiet and
dealt with the cold weather (smiling).
Speaking of the heat, anything you do with your fitness
training in order to prepare?
I’ve been training my whole life in the heat. I think I’m
pretty used to it. I mean, obviously the heat in
Melbourne is just completely different than any other heat. But
it’s okay. I just got to be ready to play under any
circumstances.
Novak Djokovic:
Do you make any specific preparations when you know
you’re in for a very hot week like this?
Well, yes. I mean, the experience of playing many times
in the Australian summer over the years definitely helps for
the preparations. But I don’t change anything in particular in
my approach. Everything is more or less the same. I
am expecting to play in a big heat. You always have to
expect because you can’t really predict Melbourne’s weather,
it’s changing a lot. But I remember the 2008, ’09 and ’10,
there were several days I played in extreme heat. So I
know how tough it is. But it’s the same for myself and my
opponent so you have to adjust to it.
How does [the heat] affect you physically? Does
it restrict your breathing?
No. Last couple years, everything has been, yeah, very
all right with my health, with my physical state. I’ve
been working, of course, a lot with my team, making sure I’m
fit and ready to play best‑of‑five in extreme conditions.
Maria Sharapova:
How do you feel following Brisbane?
Good. It was great to get those matches, some tough
matches, a lot of good games, come here and prepare a week, be
ready for Tuesday.
Which will be 41 degrees (105 degrees,
Fahrenheit).
Right. Sounds nice (smiles).
Because you weren’t able to use your shoulder like you
normally would during the off‑season, do you think that’s going
to come in handy when it’s 41 degrees, given that you’ve had
more fitness work?
I don’t think anyone can prepare themselves for that type of
heat. I think it’s tough to train on a very high level in
that type of heat. Actually, you know, I grew up in Florida
practicing so many hours a day. It was quite difficult in the
summer. Sometimes you found that you’d get a lot more if
you started a little bit earlier or later in the day.
When you try to put in that effort, that maximum effort to give
as an athlete, it’s pretty difficult for a longer period of
time.
But I think, I mean, it’s the things like hydration, eating
well that can really help you get to feeling better in that
type of situation.
Andy Murray:
Do you think your time spent training down in Florida
prepared you for this coming week, the
temperatures?
I mean, it helps. But the difference between 32 degrees
or whatever in Florida, or 28 degrees and 40, it’s a huge
difference. It feels very different on the court. The court
just gets so hot. The air is extremely, extremely hot as well.
I mean, in Miami, there tends to be a breeze. Here when it’s 40
degrees, it can be calm. The air feels warm in your face. Your
legs and your feet burn. No, I mean, the stuff that I do there
helps, but you can’t prepare for that heat. It’s very
tough.
You could be on Hisense or Laver. Would it make a
difference to you? You could play with having the roof closed
on either court.
Do they close the roof and then stop the play outside?
Yes.
Well, yeah. I’d much rather not play in 40‑degree
heat. I don’t think there’s many players that would want
to play in it, to be honest. If I had the option, I’d be in an
air conditioned tennis court. Much nicer.
Victoria Azarenka:
The heat factor, are you prepared for
that?
Well, I’ve been here playing for, what, last eight years. It’s
not a new thing to play in the heat. I actually enjoy
that. I mean, not all the time probably, but it’s nice to
get some sun.
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