What's the heat policy at US Open 2024? All you need to know

The 2024 US Open has experienced temperatures soaring as high as 95 degrees Fahrenheit, with several players struggling to cope with the heat. Athletes have tried different ways to stay cool and prevent dehydration to keep performing at the top of their game.

While matches at the Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium have gone on as usual, the fixture between Gael Monfils and Casper Ruud was briefly suspended due to soaring temperatures and a lightning warning on 29th August.

Keeping the weather conditions in mind, tournament organizers have implemented the extreme heat rule, which allows players to recover and take a 10-minute break. This rule will come into effect between the third and fourth sets for men's matches and the second and third sets for women's matches to relieve the players.

Several players have struggled due to the dire weather at the New York Slam. During his second-round match against Franciso Cerundolo, Tomas Etcheverry vomited on the court due to the heat. Underlining the brutal temperatures at the New York Slam, Etcheveryy said:

"The temperature was 38 degrees, and to that we have to add another four degrees inside the court," he said.

Novak Djokovic was also seen struggling during his second-round clash against fellow Serb Laslo Djere as he took multiple breaks to cool off from the heat.

America's France Tiafoe had a pile of five sweat-soaked shirts next to him during his second-round clash with Alexander Shevchenko. After the match, Tiafoe highlighted the extreme weather conditions and remarked,

"I'm sweating crazy. What was it, 95 degrees outside? Today was crazy."

Players not used to such conditions have also required medical attention. Players like Victoria Azarenka and Iva Jovic also required medical assistance, with the former even having her blood pressure checked during her match against Clara Burel.

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The New York heat hits hard as players struggle during the US Open 2024

Djokovic is battling the heat at the US Open 2024. Source- Getty

Several athletes are implementing different methods and strategies to deal with the extreme New York heat at the US Open. Marta Kostyuk used wet towels and ice bags to cool herself down and deal with exhaustion during her match against Harriet Dart.

Alexander Zverev said that he tried getting his body to adapt to the weather by avoiding air conditioning. He said,

"For me, it's about getting used to the conditions before the match. I try to stay outside as much as I can. I try not to stay in AC, I try not to stay in rooms which are a lot colder than the playing conditions are. I spend all of my time outside," Zverev said.

Former World No. 1, Victoria Azarenka was seen wearing sunglasses during her post-match interview after defeating Clara Burel 6-1,6-4 in the second round. Citing the extreme heat being the reason for her migraine, the Belarusian said,

"I hoped it would get better. I know it looks weird and awkward wearing sunglasses but I have a chronic migraine and it's really tough to deal with," Azarenka said.