UK heatwave: How are sports including tennis, cricket and horse racing affected?

There are two major tennis events taking place this week – the main draw at Wimbledon and qualifying for the Eastbourne Open.

The ATP, which runs the men’s tour, introduced an extreme heat rule from the 2026 season that allows players to take a 10-minute cooling break during best-of-three-set singles matches.

The new rule is based on Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which measures heat stress in direct sunlight. This involves monitoring temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover.

If the WBGT reaches 30.1C or higher during the first two sets of a best-of-three match, any player may request a 10-minute break to cool down.

Under the supervision of ATP medical staff, players can hydrate, change clothes, shower and receive coaching.

Game will be suspended if WBGT exceeds 32.2C.

The WTA, which runs the women’s calendar, has enforced an extreme heat rule for more than 30 years

The new rules were introduced after an incident at the Shanghai Masters in October, where the daytime temperature was 34 degrees Celsius and the humidity was 80%. While undergoing treatment, Danish player Holger Roon asked an official: “Do you want a player to die on the court?”

The Lawn Tennis Association is reminding fans attending both events to stay hydrated and wear hats and sunscreen.

Key safety messages are communicated through large screens and speaker announcements, while refillable water bottle stations are provided and water is handed out to those waiting in line.

The rotation of outside personnel, including the ball crew, has also been increased.