Wimbledon ready for the London temperatures to rise again

Wimbledon is bracing for another spell of intense heat as London temperatures are forecast to climb again, reaching at least 30 degrees Celsius (86 F) during the tournament's second week. This follows a severe heatwave last week, which saw British records shattered with temperatures around 37 C (98.6 F).

Organizers at the All England Club are taking steps to help fans cope with the heat. They have enhanced communication, advising spectators to seek shade and wear hats, and have increased the number of water points available across the grounds. On the courts, the tournament's established heat rule allows players to request a 10-minute break if the heat stress index surpasses 30.1 C, with wheelchair athletes receiving a 15-minute break.

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It happened a lot last week. Players rang me last Tuesday and said could we have air conditioning units and I had to say the company (we rent from) has run out. At least 20 players did not receive one and had to use fans instead.

Beyond the tournament grounds, players seeking accommodation have also faced challenges. Joanna Doniger, who runs the luxury accommodation agency Tennis London, reported a last-minute surge in demand for air conditioning units from players renting private homes. "At least 20 players did not receive one and had to use fans instead," she said, noting that many companies had run out of units. However, she anticipates these concerns will lessen for the remaining players, who are likely already well-equipped.

Tennis London manages around 250 properties near the All England Club, catering to top players, media, and sponsors. These high-end rentals, some costing up to £25,000 per week during the tournament, must also meet demands for WiFi, large televisions, and comfortable beds. Superstition also plays a role, with players often seeking to rebook homes where they previously performed well.

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If they've done well in a tournament in a house then they will probably want that same house again. If they haven't, they don't want to see those four corners ever again.