Wimbledon release statement with tournament ready to implement new heatwave rule

Wimbledon is likely to see a little-used rule implemented this year, with London experiencing its second heatwave of the summer.

Amber weather alerts are in place for much of England and the Met Office is forecasting temperatures to reach 34 or 35 degrees in London on Monday, making it the hottest day of the year so far. The All England Club is more used to dealing with rain at Wimbledon, but is prepared for the sweltering heat.

The first two days of the Grand Slam are forecast to be the hottest of the two-week tournament – and records could be broken. The Met Office says the hottest day recorded during the Wimbledon fortnight came on July 1 in 2015, when temperatures soared to 35.7°C at nearby Kew Gardens.

That year, a ball boy collapsed in the heat and Bernard Tomic required medical attention after suffering from dizziness. Wimbledon will take precautions this year, with 10-minute breaks set to be used when temperatures are over 30.1°C.

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"Adverse weather is a key consideration in our planning for The Championships, and we are prepared for the predicted hot weather, with comprehensive plans in place for guests, players, staff and the BBGs," the All England Club said in a statement.

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.”