Wimbledon: Heat is really on for Murray and other male stars
TENNIS players struggling in searing heat at Wimbledon will be allowed to ask for breaks in play – but only if they are women.
HOT: Andy Murray
With temperatures set to soar all week – hitting a high of 33C (91F) on Wednesday – organisers said they can request time-out when the “heat stress index” reaches 30.1C (86F).
The rule allows the 10-minute break between the second and third set but only in ladies’ and girls’ singles games not yet called to court.
Asked why the rule did not apply to Andy Murray and other male players, an All England Club spokeswoman said it was because men’s and women’s tennis had separate ruling bodies.
And the heat was really on Murray as it emerged a punter in Aberdeen has bet a cool £50,000 on the Scot to reclaim the title. The record wager will net £175,000 if 5/2 shot Murray wins.