Wimbledon 2025 Faces Opening Day Turmoil as Record Heatwave Triggers Overcrowding and Delays

LONDON, June 30, 2025 – The Wimbledon Championships launched under extraordinary strain Monday as a historic heatwave swept the All England Club, with temperatures soaring to 34°C, the hottest ever recorded for the tournament’s opening day. The extreme weather led to severe overcrowding, with queues reaching capacity and some fans enduring hours-long waits or abandoning their spots altogether.

By early morning, more than 10,000 spectators had joined the line outside Wimbledon Park, many having camped overnight in hopes of securing coveted Centre Court tickets. Stewards reported that the heat forced some fans to leave the queue, vowing to return when conditions cooled. Organizers issued urgent advisories, urging attendees to stay hydrated and limit sun exposure, while repeatedly warning latecomers of the challenging conditions ahead.

Chief Executive Sally Bolton emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that heat stress protocols were in effect. “We will conduct heat stress monitoring half an hour before the matches,” Bolton stated, highlighting that players are entitled to 10-minute breaks if the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature exceeds 30.1°C. The UK’s Met Office confirmed that this spring was the warmest and sunniest since records began, compounding the difficulties faced by both players and fans.

Despite the logistical chaos, play proceeded as scheduled, with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz beginning his quest for a third straight title and world number one Jannik Sinner among the top contenders. The tournament also saw a record number of American singles competitors, adding to the anticipation on court.

Security remained tight amid reports of pro-Palestinian demonstrations outside the venue, but organizers reassured the public that safety and enjoyment of the tennis remained top priorities.

As London experienced its fourth consecutive day of intense heat—hotter than many Caribbean destinations—Wimbledon’s opening day set a new benchmark for both attendance and temperature, highlighting the mounting challenges posed by extreme weather at major sporting events.