Wimbledon finalist Iga Swiatek puts pressure on SW19 bosses to make major change

Wimbledon’s semi-final matches were disrupted as spectators fell ill in the stands due to the heat and Iga Swiatek believes tournament organisers could make one move to help

Wimbledon finalist Iga Swiatek has questioned the decision of tournament organisers not to close Centre Court’s roof as sweltering temperatures caused chaos. Friday’s men’s semi-final clashes saw disruption as members of the crowd struggled in the heat after issues in the women’s semis the previous day.

Four-time French Open champion Swiatek will take to the showpiece court on Saturday to face Amanda Anisimova in the tournament’s final with temperatures set to surpass 30 degrees once again. At least eight spectators have fallen ill so far this year, including two fans who needed medical attention in Carlos Alcaraz’s win over Taylor Fritz.

As a result there have been calls for Championship bosses to make use of the retractable roof in hot weather. And Swiatek would not be opposed to such a move.

The 24-year-old’s semi-final against Belinda Bencic on Thursday saw a spectator on Centre Court require medical assistance. They were ultimately carried out on a stretcher.

Going into her first final at the All England Club, Swiatek posited on why the roof had not come into use. She said: “I think it’s not possible for the tournament because I think the tournament is supposed to be outdoor tournament.

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“From what I saw and heard on different tournaments, they’re usually not willing to close the roof when it’s not raining, when it’s not a necessity. I’m not sure why.”

The Polish star added: “On some courts when you close the roof, there is no air-conditioning any way. So here, I think they need air-conditioning to make the grass less humid.”

Wimbledon organisers have increased the volume of communication in relation to the hot weather as fans were handed out on Friday at Southfields tube station to those walking to the grounds. Announcements remind spectators to seek shade, drink water and take time out of the sun.

The tournament’s hot weather guidance says that “guests are reminded to apply sunscreen regularly, and advised to wear light, breathable clothing, hats, caps and sunglasses”.

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenk has sympathy for those in the stands. The Belarusian saw her semi-final match paused twice due to illness in the stands as she even handed a bottle of water and an ice pack to help treat a struggling individual.

Speaking at a press conference after her defeat, Sabalenka said: “I feel like London is not ready for this weather.

“It was super hot, and I can’t even imagine sitting in one place and the sun just constantly hitting you.”