Wimbledon is off to its hottest start to date as London faces a heat wave projected to begin on Monday.
All England Club issued a statement that it is ready to deal with temperatures that could reach the mid-90s in the first two days of the Grand Slam.
“Severe weather is an important consideration in planning a championship and we have comprehensive plans for our guests, players, staff and BBG to prepare for the expected hot weather,” the club said.
The previous recorded temperature at the start of the grass coat measure was set to 85 degrees in 2001. The expected heat on Monday could even surpass the 96.3-degree tournament record set in 2015. The temperature on the court was much higher, with the ball boy falling down and Bernard Tomic needed treatment after he was dizzy in the heat.
If Wimbledon’s heat rules are likely to come into effect and wet bulb glove temperatures are at 30.1 degrees Celsius (86.2 degrees Fahrenheit), you will be allowed to rest for 10 minutes of play. Filmed before the start of play and taken at 2pm and 5pm local time, WBGT takes into account a variety of factors, including ambient temperature, humidity, wind, and sun angle.
The rules apply after the second set of the last three matches, followed by the third, the last five matches. Players are permitted to leave the court during breaks, but not to receive coaching or treatment.
While elite players are likely to deal with the expected heat, Wimbledon organizers are taking precautions to protect the public and staff, including boys and girls at the ball.
More free water refill stations will be provided on-site, with real-time weather alerts being announced on the big screen and on the tournament website. Staff shifts are adjusted to reduce heat, and “shade mapping” helps people escape from the sun.
After extreme heat on Monday and Tuesday, temperatures are expected to fall below 80 degrees for the remainder of the week.
Reuters contributed to this report.
