Wimbledon 2025 kicked off with a historic heatwave, marking the hottest opening day in the tournament’s history. Temperatures soared past 30°C on Centre Court, forcing players, officials, and fans alike to contend with stifling conditions rarely seen at the iconic Grand Slam.

The All England Club, known for its pristine lawns and traditional atmosphere, found itself adapting to the realities of extreme summer heat. Players were seen using ice towels, fans, and shade breaks to stay cool during matches. Hydration stations were set up around the grounds, and medical teams remained on high alert for signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration among athletes and spectators.

Top-seeded stars including Iga Świątek and Carlos Alcaraz commented on the brutal conditions following their first-round wins. “It was like playing inside a sauna,” said Świątek. “Every point felt heavier. You had to focus not just on the match, but also on keeping your body temperature in check.”

Umpires allowed extended breaks between sets and approved additional timeouts for cooling, with some matches even delayed during peak afternoon hours when temperatures peaked. Organizers were also forced to implement special court maintenance protocols to preserve the grass courts, which can become brittle or patchy under such heat.

Spectators were advised to bring water bottles, sunscreen, and wide-brimmed hats, while shaded viewing areas were quickly filled. Several first aid tents across the Wimbledon grounds reported a higher-than-usual number of visitors seeking relief from heat-related discomfort.

Meteorologists confirmed that this year’s start to Wimbledon is part of a broader European heatwave, with the UK and several countries on the continent experiencing unusually high June temperatures. Climate experts have warned that such events are becoming more common due to the ongoing effects of global warming.

Despite the challenging conditions, the first day of Wimbledon delivered high drama and strong performances, proving once again the resilience of players at one of tennis’s most prestigious stages. However, with more hot days forecasted throughout the tournament, discussions around weather preparedness and long-term climate adaptations in elite sports continue to grow louder.