Wimbledon 2025: Record heat may return as championship weekend nears

Temperatures at the All England Club have been a hot topic this week

almost as big as the upsets and the back and forth on the court

Wimbledon saw the hottest start to its tournament in the 147-year history of the event last week

and the heat wave is coming back just in time for championship weekend

British star Cameron Norrie called the oppressive heat a shock to the system earlier this week

Nori bowed out of the tournament Tuesday, losing to two-time defending champ Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets

Alcaraz will take on American Taylor Fritz on Friday. Fritz is playing in his first semifinal after also winning on Tuesday

It's an amazing feeling, obviously, having played the quarterfinals here twice and lost in five twice

I don't think I could have taken another one, so I'm really happy

I'm really happy I'm going to get to play the semis here. On the women's side, world number one Irina Sabalenka was using an ice pack to cool off in between sets during her roller coaster quarterfinal win over Laura Siegmund

She's moving on to the semifinals against American Amanda Anisimova, but it didn't look good early on

She felt the heat. I need some time to cool down and to recover after this match

She pushed me so much. And honestly, after the first set, I was just looking at my box thinking

guys, book the tickets. I think we're about to leave this beautiful city, country, place

Cool down and recover is nothing new for high professional athletes who usually adapt to conditions Ice towels were in use by nearly every player in the first few days of competition Temperatures have since cooled off

but are expected back into the high 80s in the latter part of the week and through championship

weekend. Wimbledon officials also introduced a heat rule that mandates the checking of on-court

conditions before a match. It allows players to request a 10-minute break should the temperature

exceed 30.1 degrees Celsius, which is around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It hasn't been used yet

but will likely be in effect later this week. As for those not in action on the court

the record heat means more water stations and shady locations around the grounds

at the All England Club to keep fans, vendors, and other employees cool

Those not used to the extreme heat are encouraged to cover up, wear a hat and light clothing

use sunscreen, and stay hydrated. As long as those measures are followed, the great tennis will take care of itself

After her match Tuesday, Sabalenka paid tribute to the crowd who kept her going

Oh my God, guys, like atmosphere is just another level. And honestly, guys, thank you so much for your support

You don't understand how much you really helped me to stay in the game, to keep fighting

The players may need a boost like that in the coming days. Wednesday, the quarterfinals continue with stars like Novak Djokovic and teen sensation Mira Andriva

Those that can outlast their opponents and the returning heat wave will be holding trophies on the weekend

For Straight Arrow News, I'm Chris Francis