New Delhi, Jan. 28 -- The Australian Open has emerged from one of its most punishing heat episodes in recent memory, with milder conditions forecast for Day 11 after a blistering heatwave disrupted play, thinned crowds and reshaped the tournament schedule at Melbourne Park.

Temperatures soared to 42.7degC on Tuesday, forcing organisers to suspend all matches on outside courts shortly before 1.30pm after conditions reached level five on the tournament's heat stress scale.

While the retractable roofs on Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena allowed limited play to continue, the wider precinct ground to a halt, with fan zones largely deserted and play on exposed courts not resuming until after 7.30pm.

With player safety paramount, offi...