LONDON (AP) — Players and spectators at the Wimbledon were confronted with record-breaking heat on Day 1 of the tournament, as temperatures soared to an unprecedented 91 degrees Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celsius) on Monday, marking a significant heat event for the prestigious event. This extreme heat contrasted sharply with the previous record for the hottest opening day, which occurred in 2001 when temperatures reached 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.3 degrees Celsius).
The intense heat was palpable, as players like Adrian Mannarino, a 37-year-old French competitor, described the conditions. “For sure, you feel like the sun is getting closer and closer every minute that passes by,” he remarked, noting that he struggled more than usual during his first-round victory, frequently applying sunscreen to his shaved head.
German player Eva Lys also acknowledged the challenges posed by the heat, stating, “I feel like everyone is kind of struggling with the heat right now” after winning her match on the sweltering day. Athletes utilized ice-filled towels draped around their necks as they sought relief during breaks, demonstrating the toll the heat was taking on their performance and well-being.
While some players reported difficulties, others were more acclimated to such conditions, given their experiences at other grand slam tournaments. Tournament officials noted that during events like the Australian Open and the U.S. Open, temperatures often reach or exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), and can even surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). This suggests that the players might be more accustomed to handling such extreme temperatures.
According to a 2023 Associated Press analysis, the average high temperatures during the U.S. Open and other major tennis tournaments have climbed steadily over recent decades, correlating with climate change and the occurrence of record-breaking heat waves. These rising temperatures have raised concerns about the athletes' ability to perform at their best and the increased risk of heat-related illnesses.
British player Sonay Kartal, who achieved a significant win over 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, admitted, “I’m not going to lie, it was pretty hot.” Despite the heat, she managed to utilize ice towels and cold drinks, expressing that it didn't affect her performance significantly.
The average daytime temperature in London during June is usually around 71 degrees Fahrenheit (21.5 degrees Celsius), making the recent heatwave particularly noteworthy. The UK’s official weather office has reported that this spring was the “warmest and sunniest” on record.
Addressing the challenging conditions, Sally Bolton, CEO of the All England Club, commented on the importance of managing the extreme heat for players and fans alike. She indicated that the athletes are accustomed to competing in similar temperatures throughout the year, but for many local attendees, the heat felt quite intense. Bolton also mentioned various precautions in place, including increased access to ice for players, rotating ball boys and girls more frequently, and granting regular breaks to ensure the well-being of all staff members on site.
For fans, Bolton shared advice aligned with medical professionals: prepare adequately by wearing hats, applying sunscreen, dressing in light clothing, and taking breaks out of direct sunlight. The tournament has set up over 100 water stations to encourage hydration, emphasizing the importance of watching out for those who may be suffering from heat stress.
As a departure from the rain-soaked conditions of the previous year, spectators used umbrellas primarily for shade, highlighting the striking contrast in weather. Last year, persistent showers delayed the first round by four days instead of the scheduled two.
Bolton humorously reflected on the shift from the rainy conditions of 2024, stating, “We’re not used to these sort of temperatures, but we’re absolutely ready for it — and actually delighted that it’s sunny and not wet, like it was last year.”
As the 2025 Wimbledon tournament unfolds, the combination of intense heat and athletic prowess will likely be a topic of consideration for both players and spectators, shaping their experience at this iconic tennis championship.
