ITF alters Olympic tennis schedule after multiple complaints about Tokyo's extreme heat

Amid multiple complaints about the extreme heat during matches, the International Tennis Federation finally took action. The ITF announced Wednesday that matches would be moved to 3 p.m. starting Thursday.

The move is being made to prevent players from having to play in extreme heat and humidity. The ITF said the move is "designed to further safeguard player health."

In the interests of player health and welfare and following extensive consultation, Tokyo 2020 Olympic Tennis Event matches will begin at 3pm JST from Thursday 29 July#Tokyo2020#tennispic.twitter.com/skqh9ALRIV

— ITF Media (@ITFMedia) July 28, 2021

Olympic tennis matches previously started at 11 a.m. at the Tokyo Olympics. 

Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev express frustration over playing conditions

The change comes after multiple tennis stars have complained about the extreme heat during matches. On Saturday, Novak Djokovic questioned the ITF following his win over Hugo Dellien. Djokovic wondered why games couldn't be played later in the day and said it was "very challenging" to play under those circumstances.

Daniil Medvedev took a more extreme approach Tuesday, asking the chair umpire what happens if Medvedev were to die on the court. Medvedev needed a trainer in the second set due to the heat. He and his opponent — Fabio Fognini — took a 10-minute break before the start of the third set. 

Spain's Paula Badosa had to be taken off the court in a wheelchair after retiring from a match due to heat exhaustion. 

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