Australian Open 2018: Novak Djokovic beats Gael Monfils in 'brutal' Melbourne heat

Gael Monfils struggled in stifling conditions as the temperature approached 40C on Rod Laver Arena

Gael Monfils said he was "dying on the court" and Novak Djokovic felt conditions were "right on the limit" of safety as the temperature soared at the Australian Open.

Djokovic won their second-round match 4-6 6-3 6-1 6-3 in two hours and 45 minutes as the temperature hit 39C.

Monfils took the first set but suffered in the second, complaining of dizziness and leaving the court with a doctor.

"For sure we took a risk," the 31-year-old Frenchman said.

"We both have the same conditions but I think it's maybe a little bit too hot."

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The extreme heat policy at the Australian Open does not use a simple maximum heat, rather a combination of factors including temperature, humidity and wind speed.

It was last enforced in 2014 when play was suspended after Melbourne had three consecutive days with temperatures above 40C.

The temperature is forecast to exceed 40C on Friday, prompting Monfils to say: "Good luck for the guys.

"I'm telling you I was dying on the court for 40 minutes.

"Sometimes we put our bodies at risk so just be smart and, if you have to give up, it's not a shame."

Djokovic, 30, agreed the conditions were "brutal", adding: "I think there is a limit, and that is a level of I guess tolerance between being fit and being, I think, in danger in terms of health.

"[Today] it was right at the limit."

Djokovic used an ice towel as he attempted to cool down

With the temperature peaking at 17:00 local time, the pair entered the arena in mid-afternoon and played through the worst of the heat.

Djokovic could not have asked for a more punishing examination of his fitness after six months out with an elbow injury.

Asked afterwards about his elbow, the Serb, said: "It's still not 100%, but building."

Seeded 14th after sliding down the rankings during his lay-off, he found himself up against an in-form Monfils hopeful of finally beating Djokovic at the 15th attempt.

The former world number one, who has a new service action to take pressure off his elbow, began poorly, making four double faults in the opening two games as he fell a double-break down at 3-0.

But he clawed his way back as the pair shared 36 errors between them across the first set.

Monfils managed to hold on after seeing his 3-0 lead disappear, edging through another tense service game and wasting his first set point with a woeful drop shot.

It was midway through the second set that the Frenchman started to struggle with conditions, and Djokovic took advantage.

He broke the ailing Frenchman's serve three times in the third set and saw off five break points on his way to clinching victory in the fourth.

"It was just one of these days where you had to stay tough mentally," Djokovic added.

"I think physically it was obvious that you just have to try to hang in there."

A photographer seeks protection from the burning sun on Rod Laver Arena

Analysis

British doubles player Dom Inglot was on court in Melbourne on Thursday afternoon, and he told BBC Radio 5 live sports extra:

"It's really difficult. The last couple of days haven't been that hot but then it's shot up to 40 degrees.

"There's no way of preparing for that. Unless you've played in Sydney or Brisbane, you're coming in from mid 20s to 40s.

"My hand goes down on the floor to brace myself to stand up when the serve is hit and I can't put my hand down because the court is burning my hand. It's literally burning my hand.

"I was lucky I was on the outside court today as it was windy and that breeze really helps. It's not as humid as in previous years or if you're playing in America.

"But if you're playing in that stadium, without that wind, then it's stifling. It soaks up that heat even more."