“Following the conclusion of the Jelena Ostapenko-Coco Gauff match on Tuesday, September 5, the tournament opted to partially close the roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium. Additionally, following the conclusion of the first set in the Linette/Pera-Brady/Stefani match, the roof in Louis Armstrong Stadium was partially closed,” USTA spokesman Chris Widmaier said in a statement, as per New York Post.

“The decision in both instances was made to provide relief from the sun and heat for the fans. By partially closing the roofs, both courts became shaded which improved conditions for the players. This decision is made by the Tournament Referee, but he got input from tournament management and the medical team,” Widmaier added.

The new heat policy is understood to have a regulation which will allow a longer break in between two sets when the temperature crosses the mark of 86.2 degrees Fahrenheit. This year’s US Open will come to an end on Sunday.

A report published by news agency AP claimed that the change to the roof policy was done during a women’s singles quarter-finals match between Coco Gauff and Jelena Ostapenko earlier this week. The report even suggested that the coming days during the US Open may even witness higher temperatures.

During Novak Djokovic’s men’s singles quarter-finals win against Taylor Fritz, the stadium was partly shut. The humid conditions at the venue forced the Serbian champ to pour water over his head during a changeover. Djokovic discussed the ordeal during an on-court interview. “I’m drenched in sweat. Just very humid conditions,” Djokovic said, as per AP.

Beating the weather, Djokovic succeeded in prevailing over his American opponent. The 23-time Grand Slam winner claimed an emphatic 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 win over Fritz. The 36-year-old will next face Ben Shelton in the semi-finals. Current world number one and defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz will take on Daniil Medvedev in the other men’s singles semi-final.