A heat wave is over Melbourne where the heat in the air is close to body temperature.
The heat has led to the highest in the organizers' heat stress scale being reached, causing most of the afternoon's matches to be postponed until 17:00 local time (07, Swedish time).
- It's getting hot, and there's a lot of wind too.
So it was difficult.
I haven't had a day like this since I came here to Australia, it's the hottest yet.
It's always difficult to play in the sun, we have to adapt," said Frenchwoman Diane Parry, who received a wildcard into the tournament and played her match at lunchtime, where she was eliminated.
The temperature is expected to rise further - how do you think the players will be affected by that?
- I think it will be tough, especially if there are long matches.
So there will be tough battles, says the 20-year-old.
Benefited from the heat
One who had a hard time was Elise Mertens of Belgium, who battled for two and a half hours to turn around and win in a three-setter against Garbiñe Muguruza of Spain.
- I have done some conditioning during the pre-season, four hours a day.
So for me it was okay to just drive.
I probably could have done another set.
I focused a little on the first few strokes I think.
I think she had it worse than I did, she tells TT.
Could you use the heat to your advantage?
- I think so.
Especially in the third set.
In the second set it got hotter and hotter.
I didn't immediately feel the heat, I drank a lot of energy drink.
I was kind of prepared for the heat today.
"Warmer than at home"
The crowd at the second day of the Australian Open cool off as best they can under parasols and displayed dehumidifiers.
- It's very hot, sweaty, says Australian-Swedish Mia Larsson, who visits Melbourne Park with her family.
The strategy for not collapsing in the heat is to "drink a lot of water", stay in the shade and her little brother Loki's little battery-powered fan.
- It's a little warmer than at home, says father Stefan Larsson with a laugh.