The Australian Open, the year’s first grand slam tennis tournament, opens today in Melbourne Park.

However concerns about the health and safety of players and spectators is increasing with a heatwave expected to sizzle Melbourne this week. While today’s temperature is expected to hit 35 degrees, tomorrow is expected to reach 43. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are all forecast to exceed forty, with relief in sight with a pleasant 25 degrees predicted for Saturday.

The on-court action won’t be the only thing sizzling at Melbourne Park this year, with high temperatures forecast for this week (Image: Tennis Australia)

Australian hopeful Bernard Tomic is to face Rafael Nadal in the opening round, while Roger Federer is hoping to rebound after his defeat by Lleyton Hewitt at the Brisbane International earlier in the month. Meanwhile in the women’s tournament the defending champion Victoria Azarenka will go up against favourite Serena Williams.

Held since 1905, the Australian Open is one of the highlights of the Melbourne sports calendar. For more information, draws, results and to book tickets to this exciting event, go to the Australian Open’s official website.