Wimbledon heatwave: Organisers' statement, new rule and protocols amid sweltering start

Wimbledon has begun at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in south west London, with thousands of tennis fans descending on the site for some world-class tennis.

This year they have come prepared with sun hats, sun cream and plenty of water, with the south east of England experiencing its second heatwave of the summer. Temperatures could reach 34 degrees in London on Monday, meaning it could be one of the hottest ever days in June.

It is already provisionally the hottest start to Wimbledon ever, while the highest temperature ever recorded at the Grand Slam could be threatened, with the Met Office putting amber weather warnings in place.

The hot weather makes a change from the frequent wet starts to the tournament in SW19, but it does also present some challenges for organisers. Here Mirror Sport takes a look over the plans in place, including a new rule.

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Wimbledon’s advice

Chief executive Sally Bolton said : "Obviously it's a very warm day. The first obvious point to make is that the athletes compete in temperatures like this all year on the tour. For us Brits here at the championships it feels very hot. We do have the heat rule available to us, which is well used on the tour."

She added: "For colleagues working around the grounds we've got plenty of changes in shift patterns to make sure they're getting regular breaks.

"And for the guests that will be joining us we're offering the same advice as lots of the medical professionals – come prepared, bring a hat, wear sunscreen, wear light clothing if you can, take breaks out of the sun.”

Heat rule

This year players will be allowed to request a 10-minute break if the temperature is over 30.1 degrees. Championships referee Denise Parnell explained: “The heat rule will apply to all singles events at the Qualifying and Main Draw for The Championships 2025. These are the Gentlemen’s Singles, Ladies’ Singles, Boys’ Singles, Girls’ Singles, Gentlemen’s Wheelchair Singles, Ladies’ Wheelchair Singles, and Quad Wheelchair Singles.

“It allows a 10-minute break when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is at or above 30.1 degrees Celsius. It applies to all matches including those which have already started. Only one of the players participating in the match needs to request the break for the rule to be implemented.

“The rule will apply after the second set for all best of three set matches, and after the third for all best of five set matches. Players may leave the court during the break, but they may not receive coaching or medical treatment.

“The heat index is a measure, which factors together the air temperature, the humidity and the surface temperature and is measured by a heat stress monitor. The WBGT readings are taken 30 minutes prior to the start of play and then at 14.00 and 17.00.

“If there is a change in weather conditions and the rule is lifted, those matches already in progress will be completed with the rule in place.

“The heat rule will not apply to matches played under the roofs. In addition, if a match is carried over to a following day when the heat rule is in place, then it will not apply to any best of three set match that has completed one set, or to any best of five set match that has completed two sets.”

Hot weather measures

Wimbledon have planned for the hot weather and implemented some new things for this year’s tournament. First of all, there are more water stations than ever on site, with over 100 places where spectators can refill their bottles for free. Over 6,700 reusable bottles have been issued to staff.

There are Met Office staff onsite too, with weather updates being displayed on the big screens and via SMS messages to staff. The staff are working rotating shifts, which means they won’t be stood in the sun for long, while ball boys and girls have neck coverings on their caps and cooling scarves.

There are plenty of medical professionals around, ready to help anyone struggling in the heat, and there are an increased number of shaded areas this year.