The heat rises at Melbourne Park as the world's best players try to negotiate the second round of 2013's first grand slam tournament. Today's local interest: 20-year-old prospect Bernard Tomic taking on German Daniel Brands on Rod Laver Arena in the afternoon session.
Check out the day's Top Spin video preview, with experts Linda Pearce and Peter Hanlon giving you the lowdown on Bernard Tomic's second round chances.
Much discussion at Melbourne Park about just how hot it will get today - 39 degrees is forecast - but authorities sound confident their policies will ensure playing safety.
As Jake Niall reports, authorities don't expect to have to close the roofs over the two main arenas.
Extraordinarily, no professional tennis player has suffered heatstroke during a match, according to the Australian Open's chief medical officer Tim Wood.
The tournament has a resident meteorologist, 72-year-old Bob Leighton, who monitors Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, which factors wind, humidity, and the strength of the sun.
The roofs over the two main stadiums can be closed if conditions are considered too extreme, but the sets in progress must be completed outdoors first.
Here's the predictions of our local expert amateur meteorologists for today's temperature:
Greg Baum: 35 degrees
Linda Pearce: 37 degrees
Peter Hanlon: 36 degrees
These have been delivered from the dark, cool interior of the press room.
World no.1 Victoria Azarenka is plaing like someone who wants to get back to an icy pole as fast as possible. She has taken the first set over Eleni Daniilidou of Greece 6-1 in 24 minutes on Rod Laver Arena. With 83% of her first serves hitting the mark, she is dominating her service games, and she has currently won 32 points to 13.
