Fans of Barbora Krejcikova were devastated on Tuesday as the world No. 4 wilted in the Australian Open heat.
Temperatures in Melbourne surpassed 30 degrees, with the on-court temperature even hotter. It was unforgiving during the quarterfinal match between her and Madison Keys.
Krejcikova was plainly having trouble keeping up with Keys, who was mastering the heat and wearing her down.
The Czech rising star requested for her trainer after losing the first set 6-3 and behind early in the second set.
While trying to find some relief from the oppressive heat, Krejcikova had her blood pressure taken and ice packs administered to her head and neck.
Unfortunately for Krejcikova, she was unable to turn things around and lost to Keys 6-3, 6-2 in the quarterfinals.
Barbora Krejcikova vs Madison Keys in Melbourne. Photo/The Derrick
As a result of her upset victory against Paula Badosa in the fourth round, Keys will face the winner of Ash Barty vs Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals.
Injuries and self-doubt plagued Keys’ 2021 season, which saw her fall to 81st in the world rankings.
Despite this, the 26-year-old Australian Open champion is presently on a 10-match winning streak after capturing her sixth career championship at this month’s Adelaide International 2 tournament.
She is now just two victories away from capturing the elusive grand slam title that many predicted she would win years ago.
After making the semi-finals of the Open at the age of 20, Keys was beaten in the finals of the US Open by great friend and fellow American Sloane Stephens.
Temperatures have steadily risen since last week’s very cold start to the Australian Open.
A three-set epic between Alize Cornet and Simona Halep took place in the middle of the day on Tuesday in the midst of oppressively hot conditions for both players.
When Simona Halep faced Alize Cornet in the fourth round of the Australian Open on Monday, the Romanian revealed that she was close to quitting the tournament.
Cornet defeated the world No.15 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in sweltering conditions at the Rod Laver Arena in the last-16 battle.
The temperature at Melbourne Park rose to 33 degrees Celsius, and both players felt the effects.
Speaking after the match, Halep admitted that the Frenchwoman was “too strong”.
Halep added that she is grateful she stepped on the court without an injury. However, she felt dizzy due to the high temperatures in Melbourne on Monday.
SIMONA HALEP Photo/ TENNIS PHOTO NETWORK
“I have no injury, this is good. Only the heat got me actually early in the first set. I felt sick, felt a little bit dizzy. It’s tough to play in the heat, and I was not ready today. She was a little bit stronger, and that’s why she could win the match,” Halep said.
The two-time Grand Slam champion, who was sidelined due to injury for several months in 2021 said she was close to giving up. The heat and exhaustion were too much for her.
Although Cornet thrashed her in three sets, Halep says that she fought for every hit she made on the court. However, her confidence was all gone.
The Romanian is content with her game in Australia after battling injury in 2021.
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