Wimbledon 2025: Extreme Heat Forces Cooling Breaks as Temperatures Hit Record High

The All England Club has announced the implementation of 10-minute cooling breaks at this year's Wimbledon Championships, anticipating record-breaking temperatures. The decision comes as forecasters predict the hottest opening day in the tournament's 147-year history.

Dedicated fans brave the heat, camping overnight for the start of Wimbledon 2025.

The heatwave is expected to reach a peak of 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday. The previous record for the hottest start to the Grand Slam was 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit), recorded in 2001.

"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," stated the All England Club.

The new cooling break rule will be applied after the second set in best-of-three set matches, and after the third set in best-of-five set matches. Players are permitted to leave the court during the break, but are prohibited from receiving coaching or medical treatment.

Championships Referee Denise Parnell clarified the scope of the new rule: "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."

The cooling break will be implemented when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reaches or exceeds 30.1 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). The rule applies to all matches, including those already in progress, and only requires one player to request the break for it to be activated.

Parnell further detailed the regulations: "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 be in effect for matches played under the retractable roofs. Additionally, if a match is suspended and continued the following day when the heat rule is in place, it will not apply to best-of-three set matches where one set has been completed, or to best-of-five set matches where two sets have been completed.