Wimbledon has introduced a new heat rule to protect players from soaring temperatures during the tournament. The policy activates when the heat index exceeds 30.1 degrees Celsius. It allows for additional breaks in singles matches and applies to all players including those in wheelchair events.
The rule permits a ten-minute break between the second and third sets in women's singles and between the third and fourth sets in men's singles. It takes effect even if only one player requests it. Monitors check conditions thirty minutes before matches and at set times during the day.
On Centre Court and Court 1 the roof may close if temperatures rise above the threshold. However players receive no extra break once the roof is in use. Matches cannot extend past 11 p.m. local time which limits the rule's application for matches that carry over to another day.
The policy has not yet been triggered during qualifying despite a recorded temperature of 37 degrees on one day. Grass courts absorb heat more slowly than other surfaces which may reduce the need for the rule in the coming days.
