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The fiercest opponent at this year’s US Open is the heat

Djokovic abides.
Djokovic abides.
Image: EPA/Jason Szenes
By
Johnny Simon
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This week has been a lousy one for walking around in New York City, let alone attempting a game of tennis.

Hot and humid temperatures in the mid 90s with a heat index reaching above 100˚F. As commuters endured sweltering subway stations and sidewalks, the US Open played on through the heat in Queens—with a revised extreme heat policy, a first for the men’s competition.

Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic seemed to have the roughest day, fighting bouts of nausea and at times appearing red in the face yesterday (Aug. 28). Like many players, draped himself in towels filled with ice during breaks.

Still, multiple players were forced to retired early from the competition due to the heat, reported the New York Times. Photos show players doing what they can do cool down, with spectators following their lead. The hot and humid weather is expected to continue through much of tomorrow (Aug. 30).

 

Kristyna Pliskova of the Czech Republic cools off with an ice towel during a changeover in her match against Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands on Aug. 28.
Kristyna Pliskova of the Czech Republic cools off with an ice towel during a changeover in her match against Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands on Aug. 28.
Image: AP Photo/Seth Weinig
Bertens wraps an ice towel around her neck.
Bertens wraps an ice towel around her neck.
Image: AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Novak Djokovic of Serbia, puts ice towel to his face during a changeover in his match against Marton Fucsovics of Hungary on Aug. 28.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia, puts ice towel to his face during a changeover in his match against Marton Fucsovics of Hungary on Aug. 28.
Image: AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
A fan shelters from the sun under an umbrella and sips a drink.
A fan shelters from the sun under an umbrella and sips a drink.
Image: AP Photo/Julio Cortez
Fans wear towels under hats for added protection.
Fans wear towels under hats for added protection.
Image: AP Photo/Kevin Hagen
Eugenie Bouchard of Canada tries to cool off  between games.
Eugenie Bouchard of Canada tries to cool off  between games.
Image: AP Photo/Julio Cortez
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus uses an ice pack during a changeover.
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus uses an ice pack during a changeover.
Image: AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
Fans attempt to cover up against the sun as Yuichi Sugita of Japan hits a return to Richard Gasquet of France.
Fans attempt to cover up against the sun as Yuichi Sugita of Japan hits a return to Richard Gasquet of France.
Image: EPA/Justin Lane
Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia with the player’s new best accessory.
Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia with the player’s new best accessory.
Image: EPA/Ray Stubblebine
Marton Fucsovics of Hungary tries to keep cool during a changeover.
Marton Fucsovics of Hungary tries to keep cool during a changeover.
Image: EPA/Jason Szenes