Spectators and grass start to wilt as heat takes toll at SW19
Lawns could begin to die within days, while fans faint as temperatures rise
THE Centre Court grass at Wimbledon is under threat from the hottest summer temperatures since 1976, it emerged yesterday, as fans also wilted in the heat.
The warm weather has forced officials to take the unusual step of closing the court’s roof this morning in order to protect the grass before play starts.
This was last done in 2015 and has been repeated after temperatures at grass level reached 109F (43C) yesterday. It is believed the grass could die within two to three days if it does not get enough water soon.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club said last night that the roof would be closed unil noon as a precaution, with the court thoroughly soaked before the air conditioners are turned on and the roof is pulled over.
At least three fans collapsed and around 60 others were treated for heat-related symptoms on the fourth day of the championships as temperatures reached 88F (31C).
Play was stopped on court three for around 20 minutes after two spectators fainted in the searing heat. St John Ambulance staff removed the fans for treatment after they became unwell during the second round match between Juan Martín del Potro and Ernests Gulbis.
When one of the two women fainted, Del Potro sent one of his bottles of water up to her, to cheers of appreciation from the crowd.
One steward said: “It’s very hot on the court and in the stands and two people fainted. It took St John Ambulance a while to administer immediate treatment and remove them.”
During breaks in play Del Potro could be seen pouring cold water on to his towel in an attempt to keep himself cool and at times the world number 32 appeared sluggish in his movements.
The Argentinian lost against Latvian Gulbis 6-4 6-4 7-6, who was also so hot that he used ice-packed towels to cool down.
The suspension of play on court three came when a woman in her 60s collapsed in the top row of the stands.
A fellow spectator shouted to the umpire “Can we stop play” to allow first aiders to reach her.
Del Potro passed a water bottle up through the crowd, while ball boys and girls fetched bags of ice. While they were treating the fan another woman collapsed in the opposite stand, and she too had to be helped out.
Del Potro brushed off the effect of the heat on his performance, but admitted he had been worried for the well-being of the fans who fainted.
He told a post-match conference: “The doctors helped a lady. We were scared about the situation, but it was nothing.
“We’ve been drinking a lot of water, and I think the weather conditions are great to play. It’s better when you have the sunshine and not the rain.”
Today is set to be another hot day, with the Met Office predicting highs of 80F (26C).