How are French Open stars coping with Paris 'heat dome'?

How are French Open stars coping with Paris 'heat dome'?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Like most players, Coco Gauff used bags of ice to cool down during her French Open first-round match ByJonathan JurejkoBBC Sport tennis news reporter in ParisPublished12 minutes agoTennis players are accustomed to competing in high temperatures - but not necessarily at the French Open.Unseasonably hot weather in Paris has seen the clay-court Grand Slam begin in temperatures of about 34C.With humidity relatively low, the scorching sun has not hampered too many players physically, with bags of ice and high-tech portable fans keeping them cool on court.The biggest challenge so far has been the change in court conditions."When I first got here, it was 14 degrees - like, freezing. Now it's boiling hot, balls are flying and everything is much faster," world number one Aryna Sabalenka said.Some players are thriving on the livelier surfaces - but others are cursing them. Who benefits from firmer courts?The heatwave is a result of a so-called "heat dome", external - the warm air from northern Africa trapped under a high-pressure system over western Europe.The sun hardens up the clay and creates a faster surface that generally favours bigger servers, more aggressive returners and players who hit with top-spin.When conditions are cold and potentially damp, the balls are heavier and slower. That means a player has more control of their shots and can build up through the points, relying on skill and craft.Rafael Nadal, who became known as the 'King of Clay' after winning 14 men's Roland Garros singles titles, thrived in the hotter conditions.While not a huge server, Nadal used the higher bounce to devastating effect as it allowed his top-spin returns to jump out of his opponent's strike zone.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Iga Swiatek deals with a higher bouncing return in her 6-1 6-2 win over Emerson JonesFour-time wome...