Frazzled Sharapova fumes over murky heat policy

Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates defeating Karin Knapp of Italy in their women's singles match at the Australian Open 2014 tennis tournament in Melbourne January 16, 2014. REUTERS/David Gray

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Maria Sharapova criticised Australian Open organisers for a lack of transparency over their 'extreme heat policy' when the Russian was left toiling on court for nearly an hour after organisers had invoked an official halt on Thursday.

Sharapova and her opponent Karin Knapp of Italy slugged it out in 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) heat at Rod Laver Arena for three-and-a-half hours before the Russian prevailed 6-3 4-6 10-8 in their marathon second round encounter.