The players are feeling the heat at the 2026 Australian Open literally, as temperatures continue to soar in Melbourne. Day 7 of this year’s event (January 24) is expected to record the highest temperatures, with the thermometer hitting the predicted range of 36-37 degrees.
Keeping that in mind, the organizers have adjusted the day’s schedule, including matches featuring Jessica Pegula, Jannik Sinner, and Madison Keys.
Extreme Heat Alert Forces Jessica Pegula, Jannik Sinner, Madison Keys Shift at Australian Open
The Australian Open’s first move to prioritize player safety on Day 7 is subtle but meaningful: starting matches an hour earlier.
First balls will now be struck at 10:30 a.m. local time on the tournament’s biggest courts, a shift designed to reduce the amount of play during the most punishing part of the afternoon. While it doesn’t eliminate the heat, it gives players a better chance to avoid the worst of the blazing sun.
The tournament confirmed the change on its official X account, citing extreme heat conditions as the driving factor.
Saturday 24 January update. pic.twitter.com/BSqN6VvfoF
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2026
There will be a total of 16 singles matches on January 24, with five scheduled for the Margaret Court Arena. The day’s session will begin with the sixth-seeded Jessica Pegula taking on Oksana Selekhmeteva.
Meanwhile, on the Rod Laver Arena, the two defending champions, Madison Keys and Jannik Sinner, will be in action during the day as per the adjusted timings.
Match timings will be crucial, as players playing in the heat will have to contend with it, along with their opponents across the net.
The Australian Open does have an extreme heat policy this year, which allows the roofs to be closed if the heat reaches level 5 on the tournament’s heat stress scale.
The night session on Day 7 will see former champions like Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka play under lights on the Rod Laver Arena. At the same time, the Margaret Court Arena will feature Iga Świątek and former runner-up Marin Čilić.
The Jon Cain Arena will see Stan Wawrinka and Elena Rybakina headline the night session. In contrast, the Kia Arena will have only one match in the night session featuring Jakub MenÅ¡Ãk and Ethan Quinn.
The likes of Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys have already played in day session matches this year, but this is going to be the first time Jannik Sinner will be playing under the sun this year.
The Italian has struggled in the heat before, as we saw in his fourth-round match against Holger Rune in Melbourne last year. However, with his opponent being unseeded Elliot Spizzirri, the Italian should not have any problem advancing to the second week.
