5 fun facts about the Australian Open

#2 Australia's scorching summer heat

Players find it extremely difficult to play Down Under and a result the Extreme Heat Policy was introduced for the first time at the Australian Open

The biggest hurdle for players competing in the Australian Open is the scorching Australian summer. The tournament is played in January when summer is at its peak in the Southern Hemisphere. Temperatures soaring above 40-degrees Celsius are quite common.

It poses a challenge for players however fit they are to withstand the heat and humidity. Players are thereby allowed to use braided ice towels to keep cool in between sets. In the year 1988, the Extreme Heat Policy was formulated. As per this policy, the chair umpire can halt the match at any time if the temperature reaches 40 degrees or if the conditions are not conducive for play to be continued.

#3 First Grand Slam to have a retractable roofing system

Margaret Court Arena - the roof can close in under 5 minutes

The fact that temperatures frequently rise over 40 degree Celsius necessitated Tennis Australia to take a call to install retractable roofing systems. The Rod Laver Arena was one of the first sporting arenas in the world to get a retractable roofing system way back in 1987.

The roof was revamped again this year and the closing time has been reduced drastically from 20 minutes to just 5 minutes. In 2010, the Margaret Court Arena too received a facelift with the installation on a retractable roof. In 2015, the Hisense Stadium too got a retractable roof and the Australian Open is the only Grand Slam to have 3 stadiums with such a facility.