Tennis-Protection-shy players run risk of developing skin cancer

By Simon Cambers MELBOURNE, Jan 16 (Reuters) – Slapping on the sun cream may be second nature to Australians but it seems some of the world’s leading players are taking unnecessary risks by not wearing any protection against skin cancer at the opening grand slam of the year. Australian Open officials have been handing out sun cream and advising fans to cover up while play was suspended at Melbourne Park on Thursday due to the excessive heat, as temperatures passed 40 degrees Celsius for a third straight day. Defending men’s champion Novak Djokovic took to Twitter to spread the message, saying “protect yourself people” but others, including world number one Rafael Nadal, have said they preferred not to use it at all. “Players (don’t like) that it doesn’t feel great on your skin and also when you’re sweating it drips in your eyes,” said Paul Annacone, the former coach of Roger Federer and Pete Sampras and now in charge of Sloane Stephens.