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Nadal wants main arena roofs closed due to 'dangerous' Australian heat

PAUL CROCK / AFP / Getty

Rafael Nadal wants to see the roofs closed on the main show courts at the Australian Open if temperatures hit the forecast highs in the next couple days.

Temperatures are expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit) on Thursday and Friday as a heat wave passes through Melbourne.

Nadal said he believes the roofs at Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and Hisense Arena should be closed to protect the players' health in extreme conditions.

''Even I like sometimes play with hot (temperatures),'' he said. ''When is too much, it becomes dangerous for the health. I would not like to see here retirements.''

The Australian Open has an extreme heat policy that goes into effect when temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). The roofs can be closed in such situations prior to the start of play.

Nadal isn't scheduled to play again until Friday. He said he's still avoiding the heat on Thursday and practicing indoors.

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