ITF accepts players' requests to delay start in Tokyo due to heat | Inquirer Sports

ITF accepts players’ requests to delay start in Tokyo due to heat

/ 08:51 PM July 28, 2021

Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Tennis - Men's Singles - Round 3 - Ariake Tennis Park - Tokyo, Japan - July 28, 2021. Daniil Medvedev of the Russian Olympic Committee reacts during his third round match against Fabio Fognini of Italy

 Daniil Medvedev of the Russian Olympic Committee reacts during his third round match against Fabio Fognini of Italy in the Tokyo Olympics on July 28, 2021. REUTERS/Mike Segar

TOKYO—Tennis matches at the Tokyo Olympics will start from 3 pm local time from Thursday, governing body International Tennis Federation said after requests from players who had struggled in hot and humid conditions.

World number two Daniil Medvedev gave a frank assessment of the stifling conditions on Wednesday when the visibly upset Russian told the umpire he could finish his match but wanted to know who would take responsibility if he died.

ADVERTISEMENT

“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,” the ITF said in a statement.

Matches at the Ariake Tennis Park started at 11 am till Wednesday with some players suffering heatstroke. Last week top-ranked Djokovic and Medvedev led calls to organizers to move the matches to later in the afternoon.

RELATED STORIES

Daniil Medvedev fumes as players wilt in Tokyo heat 

Olympians to suffer alongside Tokyoites as Japan heat soars 

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: ITF, Tokyo Olympics

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. To find out more, please click this link.