With temperatures hitting the mid-30s across parts of the UK, breaking records for June, and Wimbledon putting tennis firmly back in the spotlight, many recreational players are asking the same question: is it safe to play tennis in 35-degree heat?
While tennis is traditionally associated with sunny weather, playing tennis in hot weather can quickly become challenging and in some cases dangerous. Whether you’re heading to your local club, competing in a tournament, or enjoying a tennis holiday abroad, understanding the risks of extreme heat is essential.
Wimbledon has integrated a Heat Rule in recent years with the Championship opening week in 2025 breaking all-time records. Highlighting a trend of caution towards game play as temperatures soar.
Professional players may compete in temperatures above 30°C, but they also have access to sports scientists, medical teams and carefully monitored conditions. Recreational players often don’t have those advantages, making it even more important to recognise the warning signs of heat-related illness and know when it’s time to take a break.
Here’s what every tennis player should know about staying safe when temperatures rise.
How hot is too hot for tennis?
There isn’t a specific temperature at which tennis automatically becomes unsafe. However, once temperatures climb above 30°C, the risk of heat-related illness increases significantly.
In Championship terms at hot tournament day is considered over 28 degrees. The International Tennis Federation has a threshold of 30.1 degrees before cooling breaks are required
The challenge isn’t just the temperature itself. Factors including humidity, direct sunlight, wind, fitness levels, age and hydration all affect how well the body can cope with heat.
As a general guide:
| Temperature | Risk Level |
| Below 25°C | Low |
| 25–30°C | Moderate |
| 30–35°C | High |
| Above 35°C | Very High |
| 40°C+ | Extreme |
It’s also worth remembering that a humid 30°C day can place more strain on the body than a dry 35°C day because sweat evaporates less effectively.
Professional tournaments often use measures such as Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which considers heat, humidity and sunlight together when assessing conditions.
What is the Wimbledon Heat Rule?
Wimbledon introduced its Heat Rule to help protect players during periods of extreme heat. The rule is based on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT).
When the WBGT reaches 30.1°C, a 10-minute break is permitted, the break is intended to allow players time to cool down and rehydrate.
The decision to implement the Heat Rule is made by tournament officials using WBGT readings taken on-site throughout the day.
Although Wimbledon has a Heat Rule in place, play has not been suspended due to extreme heat. However, other tournaments, including the Australian Open, have previously delayed or suspended matches when temperatures have become unsafe.
How heat can affect tennis performance
Many players assume they’ll know when they’re overheating.
The reality is that tennis performance in hot weather often starts declining well before serious symptoms appear.
Research consistently shows that heat can affect both physical and mental performance.
Physical Effects
Players may experience:
- Slower movement around the court
- Reduced endurance
- Earlier fatigue
- Increased cramping risk
- Slower recovery between points
Mental Effects
Heat can also impact decision-making and concentration.
This may lead to:
- Poor shot selection
- More unforced errors
- Slower reactions
- Reduced focus during key points
Professional tennis provides regular examples.
At recent Grand Slam events played in extreme temperatures, players have required medical attention, suffered severe cramping and struggled to maintain their usual level of performance despite being among the fittest athletes in the world.
If elite professionals can be affected, recreational players should take the risks seriously too.
Can tennis cause heat exhaustion?
Yes.
Tennis can place significant demands on the body, particularly in hot conditions. Players repeatedly sprint, change direction, accelerate and decelerate while spending long periods in direct sunlight.
This combination can lead to excessive sweating, fluid loss and rising body temperature.
Signs of heat exhaustion while playing tennis
Recognising the early symptoms is crucial.
Common warning signs include:
- Excessive sweating
- Unusual fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty concentrating
If symptoms worsen, players may be at risk of heat stroke, a serious medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
If a player becomes confused, collapses or loses consciousness, medical assistance should be sought immediately.
Heat stress in tennis: Why it happens
The body’s cooling system relies heavily on sweating.
As sweat evaporates from the skin, it helps regulate core temperature. However, during tennis in extreme heat, this process becomes less effective.
The body works harder to cool itself, heart rate increases and more blood is directed towards the skin. This leaves less blood available for working muscles, causing players to fatigue more quickly.
The longer a match continues, the greater the challenge becomes.
Even experienced players can experience heat stress in tennis when conditions are severe.
Dehydration during tennis
One of the biggest dangers of playing tennis in hot weather is dehydration.
Players can lose significant amounts of fluid through sweat, especially during long matches or training sessions.
The problem is that thirst often lags behind actual fluid loss.
By the time you feel thirsty, dehydration may already be affecting performance.
Even mild dehydration can cause:
- Reduced endurance
- Poor concentration
- Increased fatigue
- Reduced coordination
More severe dehydration can contribute to heat exhaustion and increase the likelihood of injury.
Hydration tips for tennis players in summer
Simple preparation can make a huge difference.
Follow these practical hydration tips for tennis players in summer:
- Start hydrated before arriving at court
- Drink small amounts regularly rather than large amounts occasionally
- Use electrolyte drinks for longer sessions
- Take advantage of changeovers to drink
- Bring more water than you think you’ll need
- Wear light-coloured, breathable clothing
- Use a cooling towel if available
- Seek shade whenever possible
- Avoid excessive alcohol before playing
- Monitor urine colour as a simple hydration check
Planning ahead is one of the easiest ways to reduce the risks of playing tennis in extreme temperatures.
Who should be most careful?
Some groups are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness.
These include:
- Junior players
- Older adults
- Beginners
- Players returning from injury
- People with certain medical conditions
- Those taking medications that affect hydration
Even highly active individuals should be cautious if they are not accustomed to exercising in hot weather.
Playing tennis abroad in heat: Additional risks to consider
Many UK players experience their hottest tennis conditions while travelling overseas.
Popular destinations such as Spain, Greece, Turkey, Florida and Dubai regularly experience temperatures well above those seen in Britain.
The challenge isn’t simply the temperature.
Players may also face:
- Higher humidity
- Stronger UV exposure
- Consecutive days of play
- Travel fatigue
- Different hydration needs
- Limited access to medical care
A player who feels comfortable competing in 25°C conditions in the UK may struggle significantly in 35°C heat abroad.
If you’re planning a tennis holiday, allow time to acclimatise and avoid scheduling your most demanding sessions immediately after arrival.
Often organisations will be mindful of keeping players safe and encourage game play at earlier hours of the day before temperatures become more impactful.
When should you skip tennis because of the heat?
Most players are naturally enthusiastic about getting on court, but sometimes the safest decision is to postpone.
Consider rescheduling if:
- Temperatures exceed 35°C
- Humidity is particularly high
- You already feel unwell
- You’ve been dehydrated recently
- There is little or no shade available
- You cannot access sufficient fluids
Missing one tennis session is far preferable to risking heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
The base line
So, is it safe to play tennis in 35-degree heat?
For some players, with the right preparation and precautions, it can be. However, temperatures around 35°C should never be taken lightly.
The risks of playing tennis in extreme temperatures increase significantly as temperatures rise, particularly when combined with strong sunlight and humidity.
Understanding how heat affects tennis performance, recognising the signs of heat exhaustion while playing tennis, and following sensible hydration strategies can help you stay safe on court.
Whether you’re playing during the current UK heatwave, watching Wimbledon inspire your next match, or heading overseas for a tennis holiday, preparation is your best defence against the heat.
When in doubt, prioritise your health, listen to your body and remember that there will always be another opportunity to play.
Protect your play & travel with tennis travel insurance
If you do experience health issues from exposure to high temperatures you might need to seek treatment overseas, which can inevitably be costly.
That’s why having a specialist tennis travel insurance can support you, just in case you face these sorts of incidents or other unexpected circumstances.
Explore our tennis insurance policies, before your next trip.
Sources
https://www.climatecentral.org/report/tennis
https://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/the_championships/heat_rule
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/articles/cew001gx0pzo
This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation.
