Wimbledon 2026: Extreme Heat Forces Players to Cool Down as Tournament Implements Temperature Monitoring]

Wimbledon 2026: Extreme Heat Forces Players to Cool Down as Tournament Implements Temperature Monitoring]

“Charging will resume when your iPhone returns to normal temperature,” reads the message on my mobile screen.

The Championships are experiencing their hottest day yet, with temperatures reaching 91°F (33°C) on Centre Court where the sun beats down relentlessly. With no shade available beyond the umbrellas positioned at the change of ends, one player can be seen vigorously cooling down with ice before placing it on her head.

Wimbledon’s heat protocol permits only singles competitors, not doubles players, to take a 10-minute break between the second and third sets in best-of-three matches, or between the third and fourth sets in best-of-five contests. This break is activated when the heat stress index reaches or exceeds 30.1°C (86°F).

The heat stress index measurement combines data from air temperature, humidity, and surface conditions. Monitoring occurs 30 minutes before play begins, then again at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. local time.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club confirms the heat rule has not yet been implemented for the current day’s schedule.

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