Wimbledon experienced its first significant heat-related incidents on Monday as two spectators fainted amidst 31-degree Celsius (88-degree Fahrenheit) temperatures, leading to brief pauses in play on the tournament's main courts.
On Centre Court, a fan fell ill during the first set of the match between Alexandra Eala and Jasmine Paolini. Spectators offered ice and shade while staff members assisted the individual, who was later carried off the court. A similar situation occurred on No. 1 Court during the match between Flavio Cobolli and Alex de Minaur. Cobolli noticed a spectator in distress and the match was temporarily halted while the person received attention.
The current heatwave follows a period of more moderate temperatures during the first week of the Championships. Temperatures exceeded 30 degrees Celsius for the first time on Sunday and are expected to climb further. This follows a similar pattern during Wimbledon's qualifying rounds two weeks prior, where extreme heat potentially contributed to a power outage that disrupted electronic line-calling.
In response to the high temperatures during qualifying, ball kids were replaced by adult grounds staff. Wimbledon's tournament organizers have heat rules in place, utilizing the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) to measure heat stress. These rules allow for cooling breaks and can lead to play suspension if the WBGT exceeds 32.2 degrees Celsius.
The ATP tour implemented new heat rules in December of the previous year, while the WTA has had regulations since 1992. Professional tennis has seen the effects of heat at other Grand Slams; at last month's French Open, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner experienced dizziness and a significant drop in energy levels due to the heat, contributing to his second-round exit.
Sinner is scheduled to play his quarter-final match on No. 1 Court on Tuesday, with temperatures forecast to be around 30 degrees Celsius.