Wimbledon issue statement as little-known rule set to be implemented

Wimbledon is gearing up for an unusual challenge this year, as London basks in its second heatwave of the summer, potentially prompting the rare invocation of a specific tournament rule. The Met Office has triggered amber weather warnings across much of England, predicting temperatures to sizzle up to 34 or 35 degrees in London starting from Monday - set to be the scorcher of the year. Although more accustomed to drizzly conditions, the All England Club stands ready to tackle the blistering temperatures head-on.

With the opener of the prestigious tennis Grand Slam tipped as possibly the most sweltering period of the two-week event, we may witness new records melting away. Back on July 1, 2015, thermometers at Kew Gardens peaked at a record 35.7°C during the Wimbledon fortnight.

That particularly torrid year saw a ball boy collapse in the punishing heat, while player Bernard Tomic needed medical care for heat-induced dizziness. This year, precautions are paramount, with Wimbledon organisers planning 10-minute breaks if temperatures move past 30.1°C.

The tournament issued a statement explaining: "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."

Championships referee Denise Parnell has laid out the new heat regulations for The Championships 2025, stating: "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.

"It allows a 10-minute break when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is at or above 30.1 degrees Celsius. It applies to all matches including those which have already started. Only one of the players participating in the match needs to request the break for the rule to be implemented."

"The rule will apply after the second set for all best of three set matches, and after the third for all best of five set matches. Players may leave the court during the break, but they may not receive coaching or medical treatment.

"The heat index is a measure, which factors together the air temperature, the humidity and the surface temperature and is measured by a heat stress monitor. The WBGT readings are taken 30 minutes prior to the start of play and then at 14.00 and 17.00.

"If there is a change in weather conditions and the rule is lifted, those matches already in progress will be completed with the rule in place.

"The heat rule will not apply to matches played under the roofs. In addition, if a match is carried over to a following day when the heat rule is in place, then it will not apply to any best of three set match that has completed one set, or to any best of five set match that has completed two sets."