Grand Slam tournaments are getting hotter. US Open players and fans are feeling that this week

By HOWARD FENDRICH, MARY KATHERINE WILDEMAN and BRIAN MAHONEY
Associated Press Writers

NEW YORK (AP) — After a mild start to the U.S. Open, much higher temperatures have arrived in the second week at Flushing Meadows. It is supposed to reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 Celsius) and top 50% humidity on Wednesday. That’s not a surprise. An Associated Press analysis shows the average high temperatures during the U.S. Open and the three other Grand Slam tennis tournaments steadily have risen and grown more dangerous in recent decades. That reflects the climate change that created record heat waves around the globe this summer. The extreme conditions in New York on Tuesday prompted tournament officials to alter the rules and partially close the Arthur Ashe Stadium roof to offer extra shade.