Record Temperatures Could Trigger Wimbledon's Heat Rule

Record London-area temperatures are "expected to result in Wimbledon's heat rule being utilised for the first time this week." The rule "allows females a 10-minute break between the second and third sets of matches." The forecast for tomorrow states temperatures may reach around 100 degrees, "potentially setting a record at the championships since such information was first formally recorded 10 years ago." The rule, which has not yet been used, "does not allow men to take breaks." The Centre Court roof "will not be closed to keep temperatures down, but can be used to shade spectators" (GUARDIAN, 6/30).

ESPN's Chrissie Evert said of the heat rule, "It's hard to believe. We play in Australia where its 118 degrees and play the U.S. Open where the humidity is all over the place. So it's hard to imagine that it will happen here" ("Wimbledon," ESPN, 6/30).