Information about the Heat Rule used at The Championships

The heat rule will apply to all singles events at the Qualifying and Main Draw for The Championships 2024. These are the Gentlemen’s Singles, Ladies’ Singles, Boys’ Singles, Girls’ Singles, Gentlemen’s Wheelchair Singles, Ladies’ Wheelchair Singles, and Quad Wheelchair Singles.

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 rule will apply after the second set for all best of three set matches, and after the third 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 heat index is a measure, which factors together the air temperature, the humidity and the surface temperature and is measured by a heat stress monitor. The WBGT readings are taken 30 minutes prior to the start of play and then at 14.00 and 17.00.

If there is a change in weather conditions and the rule is lifted, those matches already in progress will be completed with the rule in place.

The heat rule will not apply to matches played under the roofs. In addition, if a match is carried over to a following day when the heat rule is in place, then it will not apply to any best of three set match that has completed one set, or to any best of five set match that has completed two sets.

Denise Parnell

Championships Referee