Wimbledon 2026: How the new heat rule works
A new heat rule will come into effect at Wimbledon in 2026. It aims to protect players – but could also lead to unwelcome discussions.
There's a small revolution at Wimbledon this year.
The organizers of the world's most prestigious tennis tournament are reacting to the increasingly high temperatures in London and are introducing a special heat rule for the first time. It aims to protect players' health and allow them an additional recovery break under extreme conditions.
The new rule comes into effect when the so-called heat stress index reaches at least 30.1 degrees Celsius.
Unlike normal air temperature, this value also considers factors such as humidity, solar radiation, and heat emitted from the grass surface. This is intended to capture the actual strain on players as realistically as possible.
Ten-Minute Break
If the heat stress index reaches or exceeds the threshold, a ten-minute break can be taken between the second and third sets in best-of-three-set matches. In best-of-five-set matches, the interruption is possible between the third and fourth sets.
If a player requests the break, it automatically applies to both competitors. Furthermore, it applies exclusively to singles matches.
Doubles matches, matches played under a closed roof, and matches interrupted overnight and continued the following day are excluded from the rule.
The organizers check whether the conditions are met at fixed times. The heat stress index is measured 30 minutes before the start of the first match of the day, and then again at 2 PM and 5 PM.
Rule Sparks Discussion
The introduction of the rule is likely to spark discussions nonetheless. The requirement for players to request the break, in particular, could play a role in close encounters.
While an additional break can be medically sensible in extreme heat, it can also change the flow of the game. Whether and when a professional requests the break could therefore become a tactical decision.
