Djokovic, Medvedev complain of heat

TOKYO – Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev called on organizers to delay the start times of Olympic tennis matches as players labored in the sweltering Tokyo summer heat on the opening day of the tournament.

World number one Djokovic encountered little resistance from Bolivia’s Hugo Dellien in a 6-2, 6-2 first round win, but like many others found the playing conditions particularly demanding.

Medvedev, a 6-4, 7-6 (10/8) winner over Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik, suggested putting back matches until the evening, having started his opening round shortly after midday in blazing sunshine.

“I agree with him 100 percent,” said Djokovic.