New BBC pundit Eugenie Bouchard is finding the London heatwave challenging just days after arriving for Wimbledon. Bouchard, who reached the SW19 singles final in 2014, has joined the BBC's commentary team for the tournament.
Despite being based in Miami, the Canadian revealed on social media that she was struggling with the UK's current high temperatures. "I am here to tell you that we have NOT been in the UK less than 24 hours and I feel like I’m on an episode of Survivor," Bouchard wrote. She noted that she was "sweating profusely" and sleeping without blankets, despite normally feeling cold.
Bouchard sought explanations for the discomfort, and many social media replies pointed to a lack of air conditioning in UK homes and buildings, suggesting they are designed to retain heat differently than North American properties.
Other players at Wimbledon have also commented on the difficulty of managing the heat, with some prioritizing accommodations that include air conditioning. American player Tommy Paul, who hails from Florida, mentioned that he had rented air conditioning units for his stay. "The heat during the night was an advantage to all the Brits, because I guess they’re used to sleeping with no AC, and I am not," Paul stated.
Jessica Pegula, the No. 4 seed in the women's draw, described securing air conditioning as her "No. 1 priority" when renting accommodation in Wimbledon Village. She noted that heat can intensify on higher floors of buildings, making climate control essential for comfort during the tournament.
