Players and followers alike felt the warmth at Wimbledon Thursday when the semifinal between top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova was delayed twice within the first set attributable to spectators falling in poor health.
The affected followers, seated within the unshaded decrease tier of Centre Court, obtained care from Sabalenka herself, who provided bottles of water and, on one event, a blue ice pack.
“London wasn’t ready for this weather. It was super hot,” Sabalenka stated after dropping the match 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
Temperatures soared to 31 levels Celsius (88 levels Fahrenheit) throughout the first set.
“I can’t even imagine sitting in one place and the sun just constantly hitting on you,” Sabalenka stated. “You’ve got to be really prepared, stay hydrated. It can happen to everyone.”
Sabalenka used ice packs – putting them on her head – to chill down throughout changeovers.
She stated the delays had no affect on her efficiency.
“I was able to play my game no matter what. Doesn’t matter how long the pause was. I just hope they (those fans) feel better,” she stated.
The grass-court event skilled record-breaking warmth on Day 1 when temperatures rose to 33 levels Celsius.
Source: www.dailysabah.com