Extreme Heat Disrupts Qualifying in Melbourne

Extreme Heat Disrupts Qualifying in Melbourne ~~~
©Colette Lewis 2006
Melbourne--

It's currently 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39 Centigrade) here in Melbourne, which means the extreme heat policy has been implemented. Play is continuing on the two courts with retractable roofs, but that, of course, does not include juniors, who are being asked to play two singles matches today in qualifying.

We made our way by tram to Albert Reserve, where the boys qualifying event is held. (A phone call to the site this morning saved us a trip to Nottinghill, which is much farther out and hosting the girls qualifying.) Chris Racz of the United States had won his first match, and his second round match was the only one to be put on court before the extreme heat rule was invoked. Playing Croatian Antonio Sancic, Racz jumped out to a quick lead and was serving for the set at 5-4, but Sancic stepped up his game and took a 7-6 (4), 6-1 win.

Drew Daniel, the only other player from the United States in the boys qualifying, also started quickly in his first round match, but eventually fell to seventh seed Yuichi Sugita 6-4, 7-6 (4).

Missing from the qualifying is Alexandre Sidorenko, who reached the final of the Loy Yang Grade 1 and the third round at this week's Nottinghill, where he beat second seed and Orange Bowl champion Robin Roshardt in the first round. I'm hoping his absence from qualifying means he's gotten a special exempt or a wild card; we'll know tomorrow afternoon when the draw is announced.

The girls qualifying was not complete either, but Ashley Weinhold and Kristy Frilling of the United States won their two matches before the heat stoppage, earning main draw berths.

More photos of the Australian Junior Open will be available for viewing all next week at ustaboys.com