The unforgivable heat and weather in Japan amid the Tokyo Olympics 2021 has forced the players to request the rescheduling of the tennis matches
The sweltering heat in Tokyo forced the Tennis players to request the matches to be rescheduled or delay the same. As per the recent developments, the Tennis fixtures in the Tokyo Olympics would begin at 3 pm local time from Thursday.
Tokyo Olympics 2021 Tennis Weather: Daniil Medvedev Suffers Extreme Fatigue Due To The Heat
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) decided it after the players complained of struggles in the hot and humid atmosphere. World number two and Russian Tennis star Daniil Medvedev delivered a candid assessment of the conditions. Medvedev revealed he just managed to finish the match.
But he wished to know who would take responsibility if any health mishaps occur.
International Tennis Federation delivers a statement on the rescheduling of the matches
ITF revealed they considered players welfare amid the heat and after their requests and further consultations, decided to reschedule the fixtures.
“In the interests of player health and welfare and following extensive consultation, the ITF has announced a change of schedule due to the increasing heat and humidity currently being experienced in Tokyo, Japan,” ITF stated.
The games held at the Ariake Tennis Park got underway at 11 pm till Wednesday and some of the athletes suffered heatstroke. The previous week, top-ranked player Novak Djokovic and Medvedev requested the organizers to shift the matches to late afternoon.
Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic progress to the quarter-finals of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Meanwhile, the top two players in the ATP rankings have fared as per expectations. Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev are well on track to grab the gold medal in this year’s global event. Djokovic and Medvedev will face Kei Nishikori and Pablo Carreno Busta in the quarter-finals respectively.
More than Medvedev, all eyes are on Novak Djokovic, who aims to accomplish a golden slam. The 34-year old has won all three grand slams held so far and has been head and shoulders above the rest. On the other hand, Medvedev will look to make an impact in his inaugural Olympic outing.
But Alexander Zverev and Ugo Humbert look equally threatening for Djokovic and Medvedev. On the contrary, in the women’s division, Naomi Osaka and Ashleigh Barty exited in the third and first rounds respectively, leaving the fraternity stunned.