Murray, a 36-year-old British tennis star and former U.S. Open champion, transformed his home into a training ground by setting up an actual steam room.
Tennis veteran Andy Murray adopted an unconventional strategy to acclimatize to the sweltering conditions that often engulf New York during this Grand Slam Tournaments season
He cranked up the humidity to 70% and increased the thermostat to a scorching 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 Celsius), replicating the muggy atmosphere of Flushing Meadows during the summer Grand Slam tournaments. Murray’s aim was to enhance his heat adaptation, despite experiencing a second-round exit in milder conditions these Grand Slam tournaments.
The 2023 U.S. Open commenced with relatively cooler temperatures, but it quickly turned hot, reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius), with forecasts indicating even higher temperatures ahead. An Associated Press analysis revealed that temperatures at Grand Slam tournaments have been steadily rising due to climate change, with an increase of nearly 5 degrees Fahrenheit (nearly 3 Celsius) collectively at all four major tournaments since 1988.
The U.S. Open, while not experiencing the most rapid heat increase among Grand Slam tournaments
Often becomes the hottest of the four major events in any given year, leading to challenging conditions for players and an increased risk of heat-related illnesses
In recent Grand Slam tournaments, there have been numerous instances of players retiring mid-match due to heat-related issues, with the U.S. Open topping the list.
The hard courts at the U.S. Open exacerbate the heat, making it feel up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit (about 8 Celsius) hotter than the air temperature. Players struggle with decreased performance, reaction times, and increased cardiovascular stress. Despite short rest periods between games and sets, athletes must contend with the relentless heat. As temperatures continue to rise, the impact on players’ performance and well-being remains a pressing concern in the world of tennis.
READ ALSO: Burning Man Festival Overcomes Muddy Challenges, Embraces Radical Self-Reliance
Leave a Reply