Record-breaking temperatures are set to hit the 2025 Wimbledon grand slam tournament. The opening-day record of the past, 29.3C, was set in 2001, but that’s expected to be broken now. The organisers have a heat rule in place for all singles matches.
Wimbledon uses the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) scale to ascertain if the heat rule should be enforced. The WBGT’s heat index is a measure that combines air temperature, humidity and surface temperature. It is measured by a heat stress monitor.
If the WBGT is at 30.1C or higher, players will be permitted 10-minute breaks during a match. Only one player needs to request the permitted 10-minute break for it to be enforced. This rule won’t be under use if the games are being played under roofs. WBGT readings at Wimbledon are measured 30 minutes prior to the start of play, at 2 pm BST and at 5 pm BST.
For best-of-five-set matches in the men’s singles, the 10-minute break will be enforced the end of the third set. In best-of-three-set matches, the heat break will be taken at the end of the second set.
During breaks, players are allowed to leave the court but are not permitted to receive coaching or medical treatment.
If a game has been carried over to next day because it couldn’t be finished the previous evening, then the heat rule won’t be applicable if they have already played a set in a best-of-three-set match. And it won’t be applicable in a best-of-five-set-match if two sets were already completed the previous day.
“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.
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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.
The UK 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
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