The Australian Open has been taxing on the players due to the severe heat, with temperatures peaking at 42 degrees.

Rafael Nadal has admitted this week the sweltering conditions have been “very tough” for those competing during the day time.

However, one player who has not had such an issue is Roger Federer who has been granted a favourable schedule of night matches.

And Nadal thinks the decision is unfair and aimed a sly dig at the Swiss following his straight-sets win over Damir Dzumhur.

“When asked why there were some players who only play at night, he replied: “You are here for a while, no?

“You know the same like me why there is a player that plays the night and others play the day.

“There is television, there is tickets to sell, there is players that achieve more than others.

“That’s why some players play in prime time and other ones don’t play in the prime time.

“That’s easy to understand. It’s not about fair or not fair.”

Federer himself revealed he had requested the favourable night-time slots and admitted that avoiding the heat was advantageous.

“There’s maybe 60 guys asking for stuff, so I’m one of those guys, yes,” the 36-year-old said.

“There’s other guys out there like Novak [Djokovic]. Other guys they’ll listen to like the Aussies.

“There’s TV stuff as well, I don’t know what you guys ask for at night.

“I’m happy I didn’t have to go from night to day and then maybe back to night so I’m happy to stay in same rhythm.

“I wouldn’t mind playing in the day, I hope I thrive under those conditions too because if you want to get to the top you have to play in all conditions.

“But for sure, it’s helpful to play now rather than in those conditions.”