🕒 Last updated on July 12, 2025
Wimbledon 2025 has made headlines not just for the action on the court but also for the scorching temperatures that turned the iconic tennis venue into a heat trap.
Extreme Heat Disrupts Historic Tennis Tournament
What is now being called the hottest tournament in the 147-year history of Wimbledon saw temperatures rise up to 31°C. The intense heat was so severe that the semifinal match between Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz had to be stopped twice after spectators collapsed due to heat exhaustion.
The crowd, players, and staff were left struggling under the relentless sun. Fans scrambled for shade and water, but help was not always available. Many were shocked to find that several water refill stations had been shut down in the middle of the heatwave. The interruption added to the discomfort already being faced by thousands of attendees at the All England Club in London.
Water Crisis at Evian Refill Points
The biggest blow came when Wimbledon’s official water sponsor, Evian, was forced to stop selling its new eco-friendly refillable water bottles. These bottles were part of a new system introduced this year, aimed at reducing plastic waste. Spectators were encouraged to buy these bottles and refill them throughout the day. However, the plan backfired when water demand far exceeded expectations.
According to the organizers, the hot weather combined with the popularity of the refillable bottles created an overwhelming situation. With fans and players constantly looking to rehydrate, the refill stations ran dry quicker than anticipated. As a result, Evian made the decision to halt the refill service earlier than planned.
Although free tap water remained accessible at more than 100 refill points across the venue, the closure of main refill areas led to long lines and confusion. The eco-friendly system, meant to showcase sustainability, ended up causing frustration among fans.
To compensate, the company continued selling its standard red-top bottled water through on-site shops. But for many, this wasn’t enough. The idea of queuing in the blazing heat for a bottle of water turned the fan experience into a test of endurance.
Player Safety Concerns and Roof Controversy
The high temperatures did not only affect the fans. Several players expressed concern about the extreme conditions on the court. Some athletes reported fatigue setting in much earlier than usual, and medical teams were seen treating people for heat-related symptoms both inside and outside the stadiums.
Despite the difficult conditions, the venue’s £70 million retractable roof remained open. The roof, which takes about 10 minutes to shut, has never been closed due to heat. It has only been used in cases of rain. This decision sparked criticism from both fans and players, many of whom questioned why it wasn’t used to protect people from the heat.
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The players noted that in other international tournaments, roofs are sometimes closed to reduce heat exposure on the court. Many felt that similar measures could have helped at Wimbledon. Several athletes appeared visibly exhausted during their matches and mentioned that the intense sun made it harder to focus and perform.
Calls are growing louder for Wimbledon to revise its extreme weather policies. While the historic event has dealt with rain and cold in the past, climate patterns are clearly changing, and this year’s conditions caught many by surprise.
Even athletes used to playing in hotter regions expressed concern that London, traditionally cooler in July, was not prepared to handle such heatwaves. Medical staff were kept busy with fans collapsing and players requiring extra breaks.
Wimbledon 2025 will be remembered not only for its thrilling matches but also for the harsh weather that exposed gaps in planning and response. With thousands left to manage the intense heat on their own and water refill points failing at a critical moment, it’s clear that even long-standing traditions must now adapt to a warming world.