Wimbledon 2025: Record heat may return as championship weekend nears

The 147th edition of Wimbledon has seen some great battles on the court, but players and fans have also dealt with some scorching heat. Those temperatures are likely to climb back into the high 80s as championship weekend approaches.  

How has the heat affected players so far?

Wimbledon saw the hottest start to its tournament ever, with temperatures as high as 91 degrees last week. British star Cameron Norrie called the oppressive heat a “shock to the system.” Norrie bowed out of the event Tuesday, July 8, losing to two-time defending champ Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. Alcaraz will take on American Taylor Fritz on Friday, July 11. Fritz is playing in his first semifinal after also winning Tuesday.

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”It’s an amazing feeling after obviously having played the quarterfinals here twice and lost in five twice,” Fritz said. “I don’t think I could have taken another one, so I’m really happy I’m going to get to play the semis here.” 

On the women’s side, world number one Aryna Sabalenka was using an ice pack to cool off in between sets of her rollercoaster quarterfinal win over Laura Siegemund. Sabalenka is moving on to the semifinals against American Amanda Anisimova, but it didn’t look good early on. She felt that heat. 

“I need some time to cool down and to recover after this match,” Sabalenka said. “She pushed me so much. And honestly, after the first set, I was just looking at my box thinking, “Guys, I mean, like, book the tickets, I think we’re about to leave this beautiful city, country, place.” 

How are the players and fans dealing with the heat?

“Cool down and recover” is nothing new for high-performing professional athletes, who typically adapt to their conditions. Ice towels were used by nearly every player in the first few days of competition. Temperatures have since cooled slightly but are expected to remain close to 90 degrees for the latter part of the week and through championship weekend. 

This year, Wimbledon officials introduced a “heat rule” that mandates the checking of on-court conditions before a match. It allows players to request a 10-minute break if the temperature exceeds 30.1 degrees Celsius, which is approximately 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It hasn’t been used yet, but tournament officials expect it will likely be in effect later this week.

As for those not in action on the court, the record heat means more water stations and shady locations around the grounds to keep fans, vendors and other employees cool. In most years, Wimbledon is known for its gray, overcast skies and drizzly conditions. Things are so upside down this week that Sally Bolton, the chief executive of the All England Club, was prompted to offer a warning when the tournament began. 

“For fans attending, those Brits who are a bit less used to these sorts of temperatures, we’re offering the same advice as the medical professionals – cover up, wear a hat, light clothing, wear sunscreen, make sure you’re hydrated,” Bolton said. “We know it’s your opportunity to watch some amazing tennis, but taking time off the court and out of the sun is really advisable.”

What is championship weekend looking like?

As long as those measures are followed, the great tennis will take care of itself. After winning her match Tuesday, Sabalenka paid tribute to the crowd that kept her going. 

“Oh my god, guys, like the atmosphere, it’s just another level,” Sabalenka said. “And honestly, guys, thank you so much for your support. You don’t understand how much you really helped me to stay in the game, to keep fighting.”  

The players may need a boost like that in the days to come. Wednesday, July 9, the quarterfinals continue with stars like Novak Djokovic and teen sensation Mirra Andreeva. Those that can outlast their opponents — and the returning heat wave — will be holding trophies on the weekend.