Australian heat making me paranoid, says Serena

Serena Williams

Ivan Dodig feared he might die and Serena Williams said the high temperatures were making her “paranoid” Wednesday as sweltering conditions continued at the Australian Open.
With temperatures above 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) for the second straight day, Dodig became the latest casualty when he retired with severe cramp after four sets against Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur.
“I was thinking I could maybe even die here,” said Dodig, calling for an afternoon break in play. “It’s not acceptable to play in these conditions,” he added, according to reports.

Dodig’s complaints follow dismal scenes on Tuesday, when Canada’s Frank Dancevic blacked out, China’s Peng Shuai vomited in the extreme heat and a ball boy collapsed.
Ice packs and isotonic drinks remained in high demand on Wednesday as temperatures hit 41.5 Celsius in the early afternoon, but then dropped to 32 Celsius by 6:00 pm.
Dodig became the tournament’s 10th withdrawal or retirement, after a Grand Slam record-equalling nine players pulled out during the first round.
Although most of the players cited injuries, Dutch player Robin Haase was another victim of cramp, which is associated with hot conditions.