Australian Open medico defends tournament's 'extreme heat policy' following criticism

The chief medical officer at the Australian Open has defended the tournament's 'extreme heat policy' following criticism after Wimbledon champion Andy Murray's older brother Jamie was treated for heatstroke.

The British player, who won his doubles match with Australian John Peers in straight sets against Australian duo Matt Reid and Luke Saville, started to feel the effects of the heat shortly after coming off court and needed two hours of treatment by doctors and physiotherapists.

According to the BBC, although play was suspended on uncovered courts for more than four hours on Thursday as temperatures breached 40C for a third consecutive day, but Dr Tim Wood insisted the health of players was not being compromised, saying that humans evolved on the high plains of Africa chasing antelopes under these conditions.

Wood further said that there would be some players who complain and also admitted that it is terribly comfortable to play out there, although he added from a medical perspective, that man is well adapted to exercising in the heat and slammed complaints of the tournament going on under 'inhumane' conditions.

Murray, who won his second-round match against Vincent Millot, said that his older brother was clearly struggling during his match, adding that although Jamie is doing much better now, he was in a poor way after his doubles match.