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Australian Open alters schedule over extreme heat

Related Topics: Andy Lapthorne, Australian Open

The Australian Open has altered its schedule for the second time in four days because of extreme heat, with temperatures expected to reach 42C in Melbourne on Tuesday.

The start of the wheelchair events, featuring British defending champions Alfie Hewett, Gordon Reid and Andy Lapthorne, have been postponed until Wednesday while play on the outside courts, where the junior matches are taking place, has been moved forward to 09:00 local time (22:00 GMT).

The four singles quarter-finals - which include world number ones Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka - and various doubles matches will take place on Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena, both of which have retractable roofs and air-conditioning systems which allow play to continue in cooler conditions.