Tennis-Heat and rain halt play at Australian Open

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 17, 2023 Heat policy message is displayed on the big screen as play is suspended on the outside courts due to high temperatures REUTERS/Carl Recine

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Scorching heat halted outdoor matches, sent fans scurrying for shade and tested the endurance of players on a sweltering second day at the Australian Open, before rain took over to ensure a stop-start evening session at Melbourne Park on Tuesday.

Organisers invoked their Extreme Heat Policy about three hours into the day session as temperatures nudged 36 degrees Celsius (97F) and searing gusts of wind blew through the venue.