The match was halted for three hours at the Australian Open due to the sweltering heat

Play was suspended for three hours at the Australian Open on Tuesday afternoon due to the extreme heat.

With the temperature in the mid-30s, the tournament’s heat stress gauge, which also takes humidity and wind speed into account, reached five after 2 p.m., meaning outdoor play was halted.

Among those affected was UK number two Dan Evans, who just beat Argentine Facundo Bagnes by two sets to one in the first round.

Play continued under the roofs of the Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Cain arenas.

The decision came before the start of Andy Murray’s clash with Matteo Berrettini in Laver, allowing the play inside.

It took until 5:00 PM for conditions to improve enough for outdoor play to resume.

Forecasts indicate that Tuesday will be the hottest day of the tournament, with the possibility of thunderstorms and moderate temperatures starting on Wednesday.