Frank Dancevic, ball boy faint due to heat wave at Australian Open

Frank Dancevic during his match due to scorching heat at the Australian Open

Canadian Tennis player Frank Dancevic fainted while playing his opening match at Australian Open due to extreme heat. A similar incident happened with a ball boy who also could not withstand the heat wave.

The World No. 122 player collapsed on the court during his first round match against France’s Benoit Paire. The match was played on the uncovered Court 6. He resumed after medical attention but ended up losing 7-6, 6-3, 6-4.

One of the ball boys too fell unconscious, during the match between Milos Raonic and Daniel Gimeno-Traver, on the equally exposed Court 8.

Sizzling conditions in Melbourne

Temperatures at Australia were recorded up to 41 degrees Celsius (108 degrees Fahrenheit) on day two of the Grand slam.

Considering the extreme conditions, the tournament authorities had decided to allow an extra 10-minute break between the second and third sets, but the sliding roofs on both Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena remained open.

Caroline Wozniacki couldn’t stress enough just how hot it got on the court. “It was a little warm out there today. Every time in the changeovers, ice bags, ice towels, everything. I put the bottle down on the court and it started melting a little bit underneath, the plastic, so you knew it was warm,” she said.

Closing of the roof – justified? Federer, Azarenka weigh in

The players had different opinions on the subject of closing the roofs of the major arenas.

According to Indian Express, Victoria Azarenka opined, “I would love it, I think my opponent would also enjoy that. But it’s fine. I think we’re all in the same conditions.”

But Roger Federer disagreed, saying: “I think it should always stay open, honestly. It’s just a mental thing. If you can’t deal with it, you throw in the towel.”