TENNIS: Growing player discontent and fierce temperatures in Australia in January could force the first grand slam of the season to move to March. In a clear sign officials were taking notice of concerns expressed by former champions Andre Agassi and Martina Navratilova, International Tennis Federation (ITF) president Francesco Ricci-Bitti said the Australian Open could be shifted so all four grand slams take place in a seven-month period.
"Melbourne comes right at the start of the season. It's a highlight that comes too soon," German newspaper Die Welt quoted Ricci-Bitti as saying yesterday.
Players complain the Australian Open starts too soon after their brief close season in December so players are ill-prepared for one of the most important tournaments of the year.
Ricci-Bitti said the ITF was talking to the ATP, which organises the men's tour, about moving a couple of US tournaments to make way for a later Australian Open.
"This way the players could gradually build up to the first highlight of the season," he said.
Agassi, a three-time Australian Open champion, said a later start "would allow for a better build-up and for better tennis at the Open".
Former world number one Navratilova believes the Australian Open is dangerous.
"It could take someone dying before things will change, but I firmly believe the Australian Open should be put back a month until at least February," the three-time former champion said this week.
Meanwhile, searing temperatures preceding fierce winds made conditions at the Sydney International a lottery yesterday. A thermometer gave a courtside reading of 45C (113F) as players laboured in the oppressive conditions.
Sixth seed Andy Roddick was one of the casualties as he was dumped out in the second round by Korean Hyung-taik Lee 7-6 (7/5), 7-5. Top seed Marat Safin came through defeating Finland's Jarkko Nieminen 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 while second seed Juan Carlos Ferrero set up a quarter-final with Thai Paradorn Srichaphan with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Russian Davis Cup hero Mikhail Youzhny.
Paradorn bundled out Max Mirnyi of Belarus, fighting back after losing the opening set to prevail 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. Carlos Moya found American qualifier Mardy Fish a tough nut to crack, going down 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-4.
Belgium's Kim Clijsters moved to Australia a month ago to acclimatise to the conditions and she prevailed over 15th-ranked Patty Schnyder, 6-1, 6-3. That set up a quarter-final with Chanda Rubin, who defeated fellow American Alexandra Stevenson 6-1, 6-3.
Justine Henin-Hardenne swept to a 6-1, 6-0 victory and a quarter-final with Amanda Coetzer, who ousted eighth seed Magdalena Maleeva of Bulgaria, 6-4, 6-1.
