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THE MOST INTENSE heatwave in 100 years is melting southern Australia this week, including Melbourne — the site of 2014 Australian Open.

Temperatures hit 42 degrees Celsius during yesterday’s action making for unbearable and, at times, unplayable conditions.

With temperatures remaining at least the late 30s until the weekend, it could be the hottest Australian Open ever.

Here’s why we’re more than happy to still need a coat.

The sun beams down on the Rod Laver Arena

Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova ices down her face

That wise old sage Roger Federer limbers up in the shade

Kei Nishikori looks in some distress

Italy’s Camila Giorgi turned hot pink

Frank Dancevic of Canada passed all the way out

The ice didn’t stop Jelena Jankovic burning her legs on a chair

Even the locals couldn’t hack it, here’s Bernard Tomic wringing wet before being forced to retire

Rafa Nadal was dripping with sweat while overcoming Tomic…

…so naturally he took his shirt off

A ball boy passed out despite that fetching protective headgear

Serena Williams said the temperatures made her paranoid

The fans who stuck it out had to cover their faces

The wise ones cooled off by the mist machine

All images via Press Association Images

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