Roof at the ready to cool Wimbledon crowds in heat

WIMBLEDON bosses are standing ready to use Centre Court’s roof to shade the crowd, in preparation for the hottest forecast temperatures for a men’s final for more than 20 years.

The 2pm clash today between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios is forecast to take place in 84.2F (29C) heat, which is prompting extra measures from the All England club to keep spectators safe.

It comes after 26 tennis fans required treatment for heat-related illness on Friday. While players are used to performing in such conditions, the Met Office is warning attendees to stay in the shade as much as possible.

With no rain forecast, the retractable roof will not be closed. However, Wimbledon sources said they are prepared to adjust its positioning to shield parts of the crowd from the worst of the sun.

It follows a blistering men’s semifinals day on Friday when temperatures reached 86F. Officials partially moved the southern half of the roof during the early stages of Cameron Norrie’s match for the comfort of those in the Royal Box, including Princess Beatrice. But they are understood to be considering going further for the men’s final. Previous matches have lasted several hours.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be among the dignitaries in the VIP area today, before presenting the trophies. Yesterday, the Duchess, who is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, greeted junior players and staff before watching the ladies’ singles final.

The All England club will also issue more announcements advising fans to keep hydrated, as well as sending out reminders via the My Wimbledon app.

The temperature for the men’s finals has not hit 84.2F in at least the past 20 years.

Greg Dewhurst, forecaster at the Met Office, advised people to wear high-factor sunscreen, drink plenty of water and sit in the shade to stay cool.

“For the players themselves they are probably trained for heat, they do competitions around the world like in Australia so they are probably a bit more used to the heat, but for people spectating it will be a hot day,” he said.

Djokovic, the six-time Wimbledon champion and world number three, predicted a final full of emotional “fireworks”.