Wimbledon fans have reportedly been walking out of the queue because of the hot weather in south west London. This year’s edition of the Grand Slam will get underway on Monday, with organisers preparing for the hottest-ever opening day after an amber heat health warning was issued.
Wimbledon used to begin a week before the end of June but was pushed back by seven days from 2015 onwards to create a longer gap after the French Open. Carlos Alcaraz will be eyeing up the men’s title for the third year in a row after defeating Novak Djokovic in the last two finals. Barbora Krejcikova, meanwhile, will be looking to retain the ladies’ trophy after overcoming Jasmine Paolini in the final a year ago.
The Wimbledon queue starts in Wimbledon Park, with tennis fans often queuing many hours or even days before they want to watch the action.
The first people in the queue each day are able to snap up tickets for the show courts, with those behind them getting their hands on ground passes.
But, according to The Telegraph, people have been abandoning the queue for Centre Court tickets because of the heat.
Stewards explained that fans had been leaving and telling them they would return when the weather was cooler.
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The hottest weather ever recorded during The Championships came in 2015 as the temperature hit 35.7 degrees Celsius. But that could be beaten on Monday as the temperature is forecast to reach 36 degrees Celsius.
UK health officials have issued an amber heat health warning until 6pm on Tuesday, July 1, for the majority of the country, including Wimbledon.
And a statement from Wimbledon said: “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 (ball boys and girls).”
Meanwhile, a steward explained: “We’re giving regular advice to people turning up about the hot weather and to stay hydrated with water.”
Wimbledon organisers are planning 10-minute breaks during matches this year when temperatures go beyond 30.1 degrees Celsius.
And outlining the new heat regulations, Wimbledon referee Denise Parnell said: “The heat rule will apply to all singles events at the qualifying and main draw for The Championships 2025.
“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.”
