Wimbledon recorded its hottest opening day of last year’s Championship and the heat could be a factor again during these two days at the grand slam tournament.
The start of last year’s Wimbledon was played in temperatures of up to 33C and brought the sight of players trying to cool themselves with ice towels.
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Extreme heat played a role in both of this season’s major tournaments, with temperatures of 46C at the Australian Open and a heatwave hitting the French Open, too.
Defending Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner struggled in the heat, and was knocked out of the French Open in a scorching second round.
It means there is likely to be a renewed focus on the Wimbledon heat rules, as well as a look at the predictions ahead for SW19.
What is Wimbledon’s heat rule?
Wimbledon has a heat rule in place for this year’s tournament and players are allowed to request a 10-minute break if the heat stress index is 30.1C or higher.
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A heat stress indicator calculates air temperature, humidity and surface temperature – creating a ‘sound’ reading also known as Wet Bulb Globe Temperature. [WGBT].
The heat stress index will be measured 30 minutes before kick-off, then at 2pm and then at 5pm. A 10-minute break will take place between the second and third sets of women’s singles matches and between the third and fourth sets of men’s singles matches.
Wimbledon says that once the match starts with the heat rule, it cannot be lifted if the weather conditions change. It adds that the heat rule cannot be introduced for overnight and intermediate matches.
The heat rule was introduced during the Wimbledon qualifiers, as London received a red weather warning for “extreme heat” and the hottest June day on record. The high temperature may have contributed to the blackout in the filter competition.
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How does it compare to other grand slams?
The Australian Open uses a heat stress scale. A 10-minute cooling-off break is used when the scale reaches 4.0, while play is suspended in this year’s tournament when the scale reaches 5.0, the highest level.
The French Open uses the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature and the heat rule is applied when it reaches 30.1C, which activates a 10 minute cooling off break. Then there is a suspension when the WGBT reaches 32C.
Despite being stressed and physically injured during his shocking French Open loss to Juan Manuel Cerundolo, WGBT did not reach the limit needed to lift the suspension when Jannik Sinner pulled out.
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After that, Sinner didn’t blame the heat and said he felt sick in the morning. “It was warm, but warm,” Sinner said. “I feel like it was okay to play. It wasn’t against the heat, I wasn’t against the weather. It was just me today, but it happens.”
Jannik Sinner once again struggled in the heat during the Australian Open (Getty)
What about Wimbledon fans?
Wimbledon has worked to introduce shaded areas and water features around the grounds. Fans are also advised to stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, wear light clothing and a hat, and take time off the court if sitting directly under the sun.
There were many incidents of fans struggling due to the heat last year. Both Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka brought water to fans who needed medical attention during their matches.
