Wimbledon Sizzles: Record Heat Puts Players and Fans to the Test

Wimbledon’s 147th edition kicked off under blazing skies Monday, as London recorded its hottest-ever opening day in tournament history. But despite the heat, the show went on—albeit with sweat-soaked shirts, delayed matches, and overheated fans just trying to stay cool.

By midday, temperatures near the All England Club had already hit 29.7°C (85.5°F), surpassing the previous record set in 2001. Forecasts suggested things could get even hotter, pushing toward 33–34°C (91–93°F)—dangerously close to Wimbledon’s all-time high of 35.7°C (96.3°F) set in 2015.

Players Power Through the Heat

For the athletes, the grass courts became a furnace.

“Tough. Really, really tough,” said Germany’s Eva Lys, who admitted the heat left her drenched in sweat and gripping a slippery racquet. “It’s my first time playing in heat like this on grass… it really takes a toll on your legs.”

Britain’s Sonay Kartal agreed, calling it a “rookie mistake” not to change clothes between sets. “It was hot, but I had ice towels, cold drinks… it didn’t affect me too much.”

Some players, however, took it in stride. Frances Tiafoe, the U.S. 12th seed, brushed it off: “It was hot, I was sweating, but it wasn’t that hot,” he said. “Maybe wearing white helped. I changed shirts four or five times though!”

Danish player Elmer Møller also said the heat wasn’t a major issue. “I actually prefer this to wind,” he remarked after losing to Tiafoe.

Still, the tournament’s official “heat rule” kicked in. Once the mercury hits 30.1°C (86.2°F), players can request a 10-minute break to cool down—though no coaching or medical treatment is allowed. The rule applies after the second set in best-of-three matches and after the third in best-of-five.

Medical Emergency Halts Match

The scorching weather didn’t just affect players. During defending champion Carlos Alcaraz’s match against Fabio Fognini, play was paused when a spectator seated in the sun required medical attention. Alcaraz himself ran to fetch water for the fan.

The moment highlighted the physical stress not just on athletes but on fans exposed to prolonged sun.

Experts Warn: Heat Isn’t Just Uncomfortable—It’s Dangerous

According to Chris Tyler, a physiologist from the University of Roehampton, heat can impair both physical endurance and mental focus, increasing risks of dizziness, fainting, and poor decision-making.

“Without effective cooling strategies, players are placed under considerable physiological stress,” he said. Hydration, pacing, and cooling gear are essential in these conditions.

Fans Push Through the Heat—or Give Up

It wasn’t just the pros feeling the pressure. Fans endured long lines, exposed seats, and limited shade across Wimbledon’s outdoor courts.

“We arrived at 6:30 a.m. and waited seven hours in the sun just to get in,” said Paul Shaya. “You couldn’t drink enough water. People were sleeping everywhere.”

Inside the venue, water refill stations were busy, and loudspeaker announcements reminded attendees to hydrate and seek shade. But that was easier said than done.

“There were no seats in the shade… we haven’t had a break in 10 hours,” said Shari Berke, squinting behind a cap and sunglasses.

Others opted to leave early. Stan and Olga Turner told CNN, “There was no place to hide if you actually wanted to watch the tennis. It was quite overpowering.”

Heat Alerts Issued Across the UK and Europe

The UK Health Security Agency issued amber heat alerts for much of the country, including London—warning of increased health risks, especially for older adults and people with pre-existing conditions.

Across Europe, more than 20 countries are under heat advisories.

The good news? Relief is on the way. Temperatures in the UK are expected to dip later in the week, with sun and possible rain forecast for Wednesday—perhaps offering a return to the kind of breezy British weather Wimbledon is famous for.

Until then, players and fans alike are learning to serve, sweat, and survive the hottest start Wimbledon has ever seen.