Wimbledon, the world's oldest tennis championships, kicked off under record-breaking heat as temperatures surged past 90°F (32°C) on Monday. This marks the hottest opening day in the tournament's long history of 148 years. Despite the sweltering heat, top athletes showcased their skills on the green grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club near London.
To combat the hot conditions, event organizers announced a range of innovative measures. They set up over 100 water refill stations throughout the grounds and distributed around 6,700 refillable water bottles for staff use. Special areas were dedicated to shade, allowing fans and players to escape the relentless sun. Officials disclosed that "shade mapping" techniques were employed to guide attendees toward the coolest spots on the premises.
However, the heat proved overwhelming for some spectators. During a first-round match, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz noticed a fan collapse in the stands. In a moment of sportsmanship, he alerted the officials and shared a cold bottle of water with the affected individual. Medical personnel attended to the situation, pausing the game for approximately 16 minutes.
With comprehensive strategies in place, organizers hope to maintain a safe environment for everyone involved despite the challenging weather conditions.
