The 2025 edition of Wimbledon began under a blazing sun on Monday as temperatures soared to a record 32.3°C, marking the hottest opening day in the tournament’s history and leaving both players and spectators grappling with the extreme heat.
According to the All England Club, the temperature — confirmed by the French meteorological agency Météo-France — broke the previous Day 1 high of 29.3°C recorded in 2001. The unrelenting sun transformed the usually temperate grounds into a scene reminiscent of the Australian Open, as fans sought shelter under hats and umbrellas and players reached frequently for ice towels.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, defending champion and top seed, endured the punishing conditions on Centre Court during his five-set battle with Italy’s Fabio Fognini. Play was briefly halted in the fifth set after a female spectator required medical assistance and was wheeled out of the stands, prompting concerns over the impact of the heat on the crowd.
“It was really hot out there,” Alcaraz said after clinching victory. “I was using ice towels all the time. It’s hard to focus when your body is overheating.”
Elsewhere on the courts, Russian ninth seed Daniil Medvedev fell in four sets to Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi and admitted the conditions had taken a toll.
“Physically it was not easy,” said Medvedev. “I won’t blame the heat for the loss, but it definitely made things more difficult.”
Wimbledon’s heat rule was implemented, allowing players 10-minute breaks to recover between sets. The All England Club also ramped up its precautions, installing over 100 water stations throughout the grounds and equipping players with cold towels and shaded rest areas.
Ball kids were seen donning cooling scarves, and organisers confirmed their rotations would be adjusted depending on conditions. “We’re ready,” said Sally Bolton, Chief Executive of the All England Club. “We have protocols in place for players, staff, and spectators. While we’re not used to these temperatures, we’re certainly prepared for them.”
Local favourite Cameron Norrie described the heat as “a shock to the system” following his four-set win over Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut. “I brought a thermal bag to keep my bottles cold. Even then, sometimes the water I got was warm. It was tough to stay cool.”
Norrie, known for sweating profusely on court, said hydration and resource management were key to his survival in the heat. “I did everything I could with what I had,” he said.
In contrast, Brazil’s 18-year-old Joao Fonseca appeared unfazed by the conditions, likening them to his native Rio de Janeiro. “For me, it was hot,” he acknowledged, “but I’m more used to it than the European players.”
Despite the challenges, organisers noted the sunny weather was welcome after last year’s rain-disrupted tournament. “We’re delighted that it’s sunny and not wet,” Bolton said, while urging fans to take necessary precautions.
Medical teams were kept on alert throughout the day, and officials advised visitors to bring hats, wear sunscreen and light clothing, and take regular breaks from the sun.
