Predictions were calling for highs of 33 or 34 degrees Celsius (about 93 degrees Fahrenheit) on both Monday and Tuesday — a hair below Wimbledon’s all-time heat record of 35.7°C (96.3°F) established on July 1, 2015. While the players blistered in the heat on the grass court, no match-up was too much to overcome in the searing conditions.
The conditions were described as “really, really tough” by Germany’s Eva Lys, who said equipment was skidding and legs were becoming heavy. Indeed, she underscored, the players and the fans were both suffering. The play came to a halt during a match pitting Carlos Alcaraz against Fabio Fognini after Alcaraz saw a fan in distress from the heat and sprinted to fetch water for the person.
When temperatures are above 30.1°C, players are given a 10-minute break between the second and third sets of a three-set match, and after the third set of a five-set match – the first time such a measure will come into play since the policy was introduced. The break is for rest and water; there is no coaching or medical attention.
Players Tactically Adapt and Fan Heat in the Sun
Extreme heat can lead to dizziness, low blood pressure, and impaired decision-making, according to physiology experts. Players were encouraged to Hydration strategies, cooling apparel, and energy pacing. Denmark’s Elmer Møller, who lost to Frances Tiafoe, said he consumed more salts and electrolytes in advance. Tiafoe himself said the heat didn’t bother him too much; ever the showman, he changed shirts four to five times because of the sweat and the surface and ended up with just two bottles of fluids during the four sets of tennis that vexed him during the match.
Other players, like Great Britain’s Sonay Kartal, acknowledged little slip-ups, like not changing clothes between sets. She nonetheless coped with the conditions by employing ice towels and cool drinks. Many players observed that comparable weather is normal at tournaments such as the Australian Open or US Open, although not as much in generally cooler London.
Fans, though, seemed to be less able to handle the heat. The Met Office advised fans to drink water, apply sunscreen and seek shade. Spectators were queuing up for long hours under the sun, just to get in. Paul Shaya said he had arrived at 6:30 a.m. and had waited seven hours in the sweltering heat, unable to drink enough water to stay cool.
Inside Wimbledon, loudspeaker messages advised visitors about high temperatures, and water refill stations were busy. Courts set up outdoors offered minimal shade, adding to the heat for spectators. Fan Shari Berke said there was no break from the sun during their 10-hour visit. Stan and Olga Turner, another pair of friends, had also left early from the race to get out of the “overpowering” heat.
Sweat and Sizzle Across the UK and Europe
The U.K.’s Health Security Agency has issued amber alerts across much of the country, including London, warning of health risks rising to high levels, especially for older adults and for people with preexisting medical and health conditions. At least 20 countries across Europe are currently under heat alerts.
But there may be some reprieve on the horizon. The warmth will abate later in the week, according to forecasts, as London will be cooler with a chance of both sunshine and rain on Wednesday —which could mean the return of the cooler, cloudier weather to which Wimbledon is accustomed.
