( CNN ) -- Maria Sharapova once labeled the conditions as `` inhuman '' and three-time defending men 's champion Novak Djokovic suffered a dramatic meltdown in a quarterfinal match in 2009 so it 's with a degree of trepidation that the world 's elite go into the Australian Open with a heatwave forecast for Melbourne . Temperatures are predicted to reach a blistering 42 degrees Celsius Tuesday ( 107 Fahrenheit ) and remain at that level until the weekend . While the opening grand slam of the season has an Extreme Heat Policy -- in place since 1998 -- it is rarely invoked and players simply have to make do . Djokovic , who had to retire with heat exhaustion against Andy Roddick when defending his 2008 crown , has become renowned for his supreme fitness levels and claims to be ready for any challenge . `` I am expecting to play in big heat . You always have to expect it because you ca n't really predict Melbourne 's weather , it 's changing a lot , '' Djokovic told gathered reporters on the eve of his title defense . `` I remember the 2008 , 2009 and 2010 tournaments , there were several days I played in extreme heat . So I know how tough it is . `` But it 's the same for myself and my opponent so you have to adjust to it , '' he said . Given a favorable draw , avoiding the likes of world number one Rafael Nadal , Andy Murray and Roger Federer until at least the final , Djokovic is unlikely to be troubled by the weather or his first round opponent Lukas Lacko of Slovakia on Monday . After that the level of the opposition and the heat is expected to rise with Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka looming large as his main threat . Wawrinka extended Djokovic in a five-set fourth round clash last year which many considered the outstanding match of 2013 . This time around they can not meet until the semifinals by which time forecasters are predicting a return to more manageable conditions . Sharapova , playing her first grand slam since Wimbledon last year , remains wary of conditions after being reminded of her 2007 three-setter against France 's Camille Pin , after which she made her outburst . `` I do n't think anyone can prepare themselves for that type of heat , '' she told reporters . `` When you try to put in that effort , that maximum effort to give as an athlete , it 's pretty difficult for a longer period of time . '' Murray , himself back in action after a layoff for surgery , is also not relishing extreme temperatures despite preparing for the championships in Florida . `` The difference between 32 degrees or whatever in Florida and 40 , it 's a huge difference . `` It feels very different on the court . The court gets so hot , the air is extremely hot as well , '' said the Scot . If he can get the better of conditions , it is likely that both Roger Federer then Nadal would stand in his path if he wants to repeat last year 's men 's final showdown with Djokovic . Defending champion Victoria Azarenka and top seed Serena Williams are strongly favored to meet in the women 's final and both claim to be unperturbed about the rising temperature gauge . `` I 've been here playing for , what , last eight years . It 's not a new thing to play in the heat . I actually enjoy that , '' said Azarenka . `` I mean , not all the time probably , but it 's nice to get some sun . '' Williams tweeted earlier this week to complain about then cold conditions in the Victorian State capital , but claims to be ready for whatever awaits . `` I 've been training my whole life in the heat . I think I 'm pretty used to it . But obviously the heat in Melbourne is just completely different than any other heat , '' said the American . `` But it 's okay . I 've just got to be ready to play under any circumstances . '' For the record , the hottest Australian Open was in 2009 when the average daily temperature was 34.7 Celsius , with Djokovic the most high-profile victim .
High temperatures expected for Australian Open tennis championships . Temperatures set to reach 42 degrees Celsius in Melbourne . Tournament has an 'Extreme Heat ' policy . Men 's champion Novak Djokovic fell victim to conditions in 2009 .