And Rafa was lucky enough to play at night and for only one set, so we can only imagine what it was like for everyone else in the scorching heat in Melbourne.
Nadal eased through to the men’s singles second round after his opponent Bernard Tomic withdrew with a leg injury shortly after the Spaniard had taken the first set 6-4. Despite such a brief appearance, Nadal managed to work up a sweat in absolutely sweltering conditions in Melbourne, starting with a practise session early in the day…
…before his t-shirt appeared as if it was painted on after it became drenched in sweat during his encounter with Tomic…
…not the ladies minded seeing him having to dry off of course…
Temperatures had only dropped slightly when Nadal played Tomic in the Rod Laver Arena at night-time in Melbourne, having soared as high 42 degrees Celsius earlier in the day.
Andy Murray, who defeated Go Soeda in straight sets (6-1, 6-1, 6-3) in just under an hour and a half earlier today, was one of a number of players to hit out at having to play in such conditions after one player, Canadian Frank Dancevic, suffered heat stroke and collapsed during his match while another, Peng Shuai of China, vomited on court with a number of ballboys and spectators also needing treatment.
Excuse us while we go get some ice.
