Wimbledon 2025: All England club introduces 10-minute cooling breaks with mercury soaring to 147-year high on Day 1ac

The All England Club on Sunday released a statement to tackle the heatwave at this year's Wimbledon, which is set to witness the hottest opening day in 147 years.The heatwave is forecast to peak at 36 degrees Celsius on Monday.

The previous record temperature for the start of the Grand Slam event was set in 2001 at 29 degrees Celsius.A statement from the club said: “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.”The rule will apply after the second set for all best-of-three set matches, and after the third set for all best-of-five set matches, with players allowed to leave the court during the break, but not to receive coaching or medical treatment.“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,” said Championships Referee Denise Parnell.

“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 set 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 rule will not apply to matches played under the roofs. In addition, if a match is carried over to the 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.”