The Cincinnati Open has a problem.
The prestigious tournament, which has undergone a $260 million redevelopment, has seen many players struggle with the soaring temperatures.
A number of players have struggled or withdrawn from the tournament, including Arthur Rinderknech, who collapsed on court during his match against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
If these issues persist, the tournament may need to impose a heat rule similar to the one used at the Australian Open.
Player safety must always take priority, and the Cincinnati Open’s ability to guarantee that is being threatened by the sweltering heat.
One notable figure in tennis, Roger Federer’s former coach, has weighed in on the growing issue.
Ivan Ljubicic criticises tennis’ expectations of players competing in the heat
Ivan Ljubicic, former world number three, recently took to social media to express his views on the difficult conditions in Cincinnati.
The Croat coached Roger Federer for six years, from 2016 until the Swiss legend’s retirement in 2022.
Ljubicic has taken issue with the expectations placed on players when it comes to competing in the scorching Cincinnati conditions.
On X [Twitter] Ljubicic said: “Nobody wins when players are fainting because of extreme conditions… which other sport does this?
“Players are asked to go out day after day to compete in such conditions… has nothing to do with being fit.”
However, former world number seven and American number one Mardy Fish disagreed with Ljubicic, arguing that the issue has ‘everything to do with being fit.’
He said: “I actually think it has everything to do with being fit.
“The issue is, if the conditions get to you, you can’t get subbed out. No timeouts. But make no mistake, it’s a fitness issue.”
What did Felix Auger-Aliassime say about Arthur Rinderknech’s collapse?
Former world number six Felix Auger-Aliassime was midway through his third round match against Arthur Rinderknech when the Frenchman collapsed in the heat.
Auger-Aliassime was leading 7-6 2-2 when the incident occurred.
Auger-Aliassime, who spoke to the Tennis Channel after the match, said the conditions feel like being ‘in an over.’
He said: “It feels like we’re in an oven, even for the fans. We’re always on the move and focused on trying to win, but the crowd is sitting for a long time, and so are our coaches.
“A friendly reminder to everyone: drink plenty of water, bring hats, and cool off as much as possible.”
When discussing Rinderknech’s collapse, the Canadian added: “From my point of view, it was very sudden. We spoke later, and he told me he didn’t feel well today, right from the start, and it remained that way throughout the match. He tried to stay in the fight. For me, winning that first set was key.”
