Explained: Why will there be a '10-minute break' on Day 1 of Wimbledon 2025?

Overview

• Day 1 of Wimbledon 2025 will witness a 10-minute break due to the extreme heat
• The All England Cup confirmed it ahead of potentially the hottest Day of Wimbledon in 147 years
• With WBGT potentially over 30.1 degrees Celsius, it promises to be a sunny day in England

There will be a 10-minute break on the first day of Wimbledon 2025 due to extreme heat in the playing conditions. For the first time in over 147 years, Day 1 of the grass court tournament is expected to be the hottest, ranging from 32 to 36 degrees Celsius. The All England Cup released a statement to confirm the news as per the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature.

"Adverse weather is a key consideration in our planning for The Championships, and we are prepared for the predicted hot weather, with comprehensive plans in place for guests, players, staff and the BBGs," confirmed the All England Cup in their statement.

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Denise Parnell, the referee at the tour, explained the heat rule and claimed it to be applicable for both qualification and main draw matches across categories. He confirmed it to be in line with WBGT over 30.1 degrees Celsius. Only one player in the match will have the option to request a break.

"The heat rule will apply to all singles events at the Qualifying and Main Draw for The Championships 2025. These are the Gentlemen’s Singles, Ladies’ Singles, Boys’ Singles, Girls’ Singles, Gentlemen’s Wheelchair Singles, Ladies’ Wheelchair Singles, and Quad Wheelchair Singles," Parnell said.

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“It allows a 10-minute break when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is at or above 30.1 degrees Celsius. It applies to all matches, including those which have already started. Only one of the players participating in the match needs to request the break for the rule to be implemented," the referee added in his statement.

"Players may not receive coaching or medical treatment" - Referee

He further confirmed that the break could be used after the second set in a 3-setter match and after the third set in the 5-setter matches. However, players cannot use a medical break or receive coaching during the period. Stadiums having roofs will not be applicable for the break. 

Likewise, Parnell confirmed that if a match gets carried over to the following day, then the 3-setter matches with a full set completed and the 5-setter matches with two sets completed will not be eligible.

"The rule will apply after the second set for all best-of-three set matches, and after the third set for all best-of-five set matches. Players may leave the court during the break, but they may not receive coaching or medical treatment," The Championships referee added in his statement.