Wimbledon has activated its heat policy during the 2026 Championships as Europe experiences a widespread heatwave, with qualifying matches affected by temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. The rule permits a 10-minute break between the second and third sets in best-of-five matches when the heat stress index reaches 30.1 degrees Celsius or higher, according to TennisUpToDate.
How the heat stress index is calculated
The heat stress index accounts for four climate factors: air temperature, radiant heat from the sun, humidity, and wind speed. These variables are combined to assess a player's physiological capacity to disperse heat from their body, with separate scales for adult, wheelchair, and junior competitors. The Australian Open introduced its Extreme Heat Policy in 1998 following player consultations, with the current version adopted in 2019.
When the rule applies at Wimbledon
Heat stress monitor readings are taken 30 minutes before play begins and then at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Only one player in a match needs to request the break for it to be implemented, even if the match has already started. If conditions change during play, the rule takes effect immediately for matches in progress. Matches played under a roof are exempt from the rule, as are matches that were suspended overnight after one set or two sets in a best-of-five format have been completed.
Sources
- TennisUpToDate: Grand Slam heat policy explained. Published 2026-06-24.
Reported from public sources.