With 6,700 refillable water bottles, “shade mapping” and ice packs, the world’s oldest championship tennis tournament is taking Britain’s heat wave seriously.

Wimbledon is bracing for its hottest-ever opening day as a heatwave is forecast to peak at 36C on Monday. The previous record temperature for the start of the grass court Grand Slam event was set in 2001, when 29.3C was reached.

Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and the end of London's tropical heatwave ensured that a sense of normality returned to the lawns of Wimbledon on Wednesday after two sweat-soaked days of shocks, although Jasmine Paolini's exit meant the surprises did not end.

Aryna Sabalenka, winner of three Grand Slam singles, is the favorite to win her first Wimbledon title. Sabalenka reached the finals of the Australian Open and the French Open this year, falling to Madison Keys and Coco Gauff,

Carlos Alcaraz followed a marathon opener with a second-round sweep, cruising at Wimbledon 2025 on Wednesday in London. Women's No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka also advanced, while American Frances Tiafoe suffered an upset loss.