Heat Rule at U.S. Open - is it Enough, and Why is it Different for Men and Women?

The record heat seen by much of the world this summer hasn't let up yet on the American East Coast, with New York City experiencing high heat and humidity. Players and fans of the U.S. Open are having to deal with temperatures near what are seen at the Australian Open, and with the added humidity.

Forecast temperatures are in the mid to high 90s, with on court temps well over 100. Tackling such temps comes down to conditioning and level of acclamation, and preparation.

Hydrate early and often, don't skip eating just because it's hot, and take breaks frequently are some steps to take to avoid getting into trouble. The last option mentioned, taking breaks, can be problematic when one is engaged in athletic activity.

At the U.S. Open today, September 1, the Heat Rule is in effect. What is it, and what does it mean? It's a rule to provide some relief from the heat, but it really doesn't offer much - especially to the men.

The Heat Rule allows the ladies to take a ten minute break between the second and third sets, should a third set be required. For the men, the Heat Rule only allows the men to take time out for a heat related illness, which basically is the same as when there is no rule, they can take time out for illness. Other than that, it's play on.

As an amateur player and avid fan, I can relate to having to be in the heat - and would just as soon not do it. Although I worked for years in the utility construction business, in all types of weather, my heat tolerance isn't what it used to be.

Perhaps it's my time living on the Oregon Coast, where 80 degrees is considered hot. Maybe it's the collapse from heat I endured while working in Florida. Can't say for sure, but for a guy who used to live and work in the Mojave Desert, I'm a heat wuss.

So if I were playing in high heat and humidity, I would want at least ten minute break between each set. But I suppose my conditioning is just one of many reasons I'm not a professional tennis player!

On another note, the talented Victoria Azarenka of Belarus collapsed and had to withdraw. Early speculation centered around heat being the cause, but it turns out she had fallen earlier and had a mild concussion. The heat was probably didn't help, but wasn't the primary reason. Azarenka does now live in Arizona, after all.