The heat appeared to be taking its toll on court at Wimbledon when a ball boy collapsed on court during a match.
Though the cause of the collapse was unconfirmed, the boy was taken unwell shortly before 2pm, during a match between the Australian Matthew Ebden and John Isner of the US, when temperatures on court were soaring.
Ball boys’ and girls’ shifts on court have been shortened from one hour to 45 minutes in recognition of the heat, a Wimbledon spokesperson said, and they have also been issued with caps with flaps of fabric at the back and sides for added sun protection.
Organisers tweeted a little more than an hour after the incident: “The Ball Boy from Court 17 has been treated and is feeling much better. We wish him a speedy recovery.”
For the second day in a row, tournament organisers reduced initial entry to the grounds to 38,000 to allow more access to water and shade in the heat. Extra water points have also been installed on Wednesday as forecasters predicted temperatures could top Wimbledon’s all-time record of 34.7C in 1976.
Players have access to ice towels during matches and are shaded by ball boys and girls holding umbrellas during the change of ends.
