The French Open has been experiencing unusually high temperatures, reminiscent of those seen during the Paris Olympics. The tournament began with temperatures reaching 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit), far exceeding typical late May weather in Paris. This heatwave is forecast to persist throughout the first week of the Grand Slam event.

For both players and fans, the sweltering weather has been challenging. The extreme heat has also resulted in faster court conditions, impacting the game’s dynamics. Four-time French Open champion, Iga Swiatek, noted that while similar temperatures occurred during the Olympics, the balls were different, making it hard to draw a direct comparison.

Players have resorted to using ice bags during changeovers to maintain their cool. Spectators have also been trying to find relief under sprinklers, and workers have directed the hoses at the audience when watering the clay courts. Daria Kasatkina mentioned having to manage fluctuating energy levels during matches due to the exhausting heat.

The heat has not only affected match play but has also led to player withdrawals and medical timeouts. Canadian Gabriel Diallo retired from his match against James Duckworth due to the oppressive heat. Both Andrey Rublev and Ignacio Buse required on-court medical attention during their lengthy match, with Buse taking a medical timeout to recover.

Even a ball girl needed medical help after struggling with the conditions. The French Open, traditionally cooler than the Australian or U.S. Open, has now implemented an extreme weather policy. If the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reaches specific thresholds, mandatory cooling breaks are introduced, and play can be suspended at higher temperatures.

Interestingly, some players welcome the heat. Alex de Minaur from Australia finds the hot conditions advantageous for his playing style, allowing him to be more aggressive and use less spin. American player Alex Michelsen shares a similar sentiment, highlighting that the hot weather complements the power-driven style common among American players.

Overall, the French Open is challenging players to adapt quickly to the intense heat, with some finding ways to use it to their strategic advantage.