Normally, the prospect of wet weather is what keeps the organisers of Wimbledon awake at night.
But with the tournament braced for its hottest opening day tomorrow at a predicted high of 34C – well above the previous record of 29.3C in 2001 – the one thought occupying their minds is how to keep everyone cool.
The retractable Centre Court roof will protect those in the royal box. Although it won’t close completely, it will give just enough shade to keep them out of the fierce glare of the sun.
For everyone else, the advice is to wear loose, cool clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
Wimbledon’s heat rule, which allows for a ten-minute break in play during extreme temperatures, will also come into force.
In addition, organisers are promising ‘increased shaded areas, umbrellas and indoor spaces’ and say a ‘detailed shade study’ has been carried out to help stewards ‘guide guests to the coolest areas’.
A spot of rain – so often the curse of the tournament – might come as a blessed relief.
Not that the heat seems to trouble Britain’s Emma Raducanu, who said yesterday: ‘I’m ready to embrace it! I’m prepared. I’m going to stay hydrated, do the right things and, hopefully, be OK.’
British men’s No1 Jack Draper said: ‘I feel good. I feel strong, I feel ready.’ He is also unfazed by the heat, insisting: ‘I’ve dealt with a lot of hot environments. It’s something all players struggle with. It suits my game, it being hotter.’
Yesterday, organisers tested the Hawk-Eye system brought in to replace line judges. It uses cameras and algorithms to track a ball with pinpoint accuracy.
If any judges wish to attend, they must now compete for the new role of ‘match assistant’. With just 80 selected for this position – compared with some 350 line judges in previous years – only the most highly qualified have been chosen.
Despite their expertise, the role involves measuring the net, opening new balls… and taking players to the loo. ‘We are basically just glorified toilet attendants,’ one official said. ‘It does seem they don’t have any real care for us.’
Line judges claim they were only told they were being axed 30 minutes before a press announcement last year, and there will be no recognition of their service this year.
They are most upset for 77-year-old veteran Charles Falconer, who would have been awarded a trophy and a certificate to mark his 50th year this summer – but has been denied even a match assistant role.
One judge said: ‘Charlie even asked if he could do stewarding to make the milestone, but they told him there was nothing available. I can’t believe it from Wimbledon – we thought they were better.’
Graham Liddle, 75, who retired as a line judge after 50 years in 2022, said: ‘The atmosphere is gone. You see this empty court – all you’ve got is an umpire and ball kids. But it’s here to stay, sadly. I am the longest-serving official in terms of years. Charlie is close behind me.’
Ahead of the opening day, fans sleeping in tents so they could be first to get tickets said they would not be put off by the heat.
Vicky and Nigel Broad, 57 and 59, who were the first in line, said: ‘The wait will be worth it when we get in. Let’s see if the weather lasts the whole tournament.’
