Watch now

Heat returns to Wimbledon as Aryna Sabalenka offers water and ice pack to fans on Centre Court

Sabalenka's semifinal against Amanda Anisimova was delayed twice in the first set because of spectators feeling unwell.

By Associated Press
Will we finally get a major final between Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek? | Wimbledon Day 11 look ahead3:12

LONDON (AP) — Players and fans felt the impact of high temperatures at Wimbledon when Thursday's semifinal match between top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova was delayed twice in the first set because of spectators feeling unwell.

The affected fans at Centre Court were seated in the lower level — not shaded — and on both occasions Sabalenka walked over to offer a bottle of water. The first time, she also offered a blue ice pack.

Belarus's Aryna Sabalenka gives water to a member of the public in distress due to the heat and the sun during herwomen's singles semi-final tennis match against US player Amanda Anisimova on the eleventh day of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 10, 2025. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
© Afp or licensors

The temperature during the first set reached 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius).

The grass-court tournament experienced record-breaking Day 1 heat when the temperature rose to 91 degrees Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celsius).