How to deal with the Melbourne heat? Two players qualified for the round of 16 answered this question

The heat was one of the protagonists of day seven in Melbourne. Some resisted the extreme temperatures better, others struggled to overcome this inconvenience. The players were warned that the weather would be tough and prepared as best they could.

Italy's Lorenzo Musetti played in the first match at the John Cain Arena against Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic, a match that needed five sets to reach a conclusion. The fifth player of the world won 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2. The decisive one was contested with the roof pulled. “It was kind of cold after they closed the roof because the air conditioning was working, so it was a big change from one end to the other. Even the ball bounced lower.” Musetti said.

He then continued, “I think it helped my opponent stay in the match longer because he was struggling more than me physically, but I was able to focus on myself and what I had to do, sticking to the plan I had prepared before the match. I knew it was going to be very, very hot. I was able to finish the match without any cramps, without feeling any pain. I think that was the most important thing.”

Asked if he also technically made any adjustments, the Italian said: “Nu haven't changed anything technically in terms of hooking up the rockets or anything. But, of course, the most important thing is to always try to hydrate yourself, drink a lot of fluids. Of course, it's also important to cool down a bit when changing terrain, because your body temperature rises a lot. You have to eat well, sleep well, you need eight hours of sleep.”

Lorenzo Musetti, at his best Australian Open, will duel in the round of 16 with Taylor Fritz (28 years old, 9 ATP).

Optimum finals in the men's table

• Carlos Alcaraz (Spain, 1) – Tommy Paul (USA, 19)

• Alexander Bublik (Kazakhstan, 10) – Alex de Minaur (Australia, 6)

• Alexander Zverev (Germany, 3) – Francisco Cerúndolo (Argentina, 18)

• Daniil Medvedev (Russia, 11) – Learner Tien (USA, 25)

• Lorenzo Musetti (Italy, 5) – Taylor Fritz (USA, 9)

• Novak Djokovic (Serbia, 4) – Jakub Mensik (Czech Republic, 16)

• Ben Shelton (USA, 8) – Casper Ruud (Norway, 12)

• Jannik Sinner (Italy, 2) vs Luciano Darderi (Italy, 22)

Ben Shelton: “It's very unpleasant to play outside in these temperatures”

American Ben Shelton played in the third match on the Margaret Court arena against Valentin Vacherot, whom he got past 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (5). The game was played entirely with the roof down.

Asked at the press conference how you prepare to play tennis in extreme temperatures, the American said: “I think you have to eat light and drink a lot. That's what I did last night, anticipating that I might be playing outside in 38 degrees. I'm used to it, but it's not comfortable for anyone.”

Ben Shelton hitting spectacularly PHOTO Guliver/GettyImages

Last year's semi-finalist continued: “It's very unpleasant to play outside in temperatures like this. I ended up playing indoors, but there are a lot of things you have to consider. Normally I would probably have increased the tension by a few kilos. Today I didn't, but I always have a few racquets with me, just in case, with a higher tension. On a day like today, you have to be ready for anything, because you're either playing at 21 degrees, at room temperature, in perfect serving conditions, or you're trying to stay out of the sun and stay alive out there.”

The seventh player in the world will meet Casper Ruud (27 years old, 13 ATP) in the round of 16.