Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Kei Nishikori progress to third round in Australian Open amid extreme heat

 France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Japanese Kei Nishikori have progressed to the men's third round in the Australian Open, amid the extreme heat policy implemented by the tournament referee due to the searing heat.

Australian Open organisers enacted the extreme heat policy mid-way through Tsonga's match, which meant the roof on the Multi Purpose Venue was closed as the mercury constantly hovered over 40 degrees Celsius.

According to abc.net.au, Tsonga overcame extreme heat to beat Brazillian Thomaz Bellucci 7-6 (7/6), 6-4, 6-4 and set up a clash against either compatriot Gilles Simon or Croatia's Marin Cilic.

Meanwhile, the report mentioned that Nishikori defeated Serb Dusan Lajovic 6-1, 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) and the searing heat to reach the Australian Open third round within just one hour 49 minutes.

Nishikori, now coached by former French Open champion Michael Chang, reached the third round for the fourth consecutive year, the report added.