Wimbledon fans struggled in the heat of the day as two spectators fainted on the tournament’s Centre Court and No 1 Court just over an hour after the start of play.
With temperatures already 31 degrees on Monday and set to climb as the day continues, the Championships’ largest stage was the first to see a fan struggle amid the sticky heat.
Philippina rising star Alexandra Eala had just broken back in the first set to go 5-4 against former finalist Jasmine Paolini on Centre Court when a person in the stands took ill.
Fellow spectators rushed over with bags of ice to offer support to the fan, who was given assistance under umbrellas before being carried out in the arms of two members of staff.
On No 1 court, it was a similar story at 3-2 in the second set between Flavio Cobolli and Alex de Minaur, with the Italian pausing before serving at 15-15 after noticing a commotion in the stands in full sun.
The spectator was instantly shaded by umbrellas as staff members and ticket-holders alike rushed to offer assistance.
During the delay, both Cobolli and De Minaur took refuge in the shade as they waited for play to restart.
More to follow.
Alex de Minaur and Flavio Cobolli saw their match paused after a spectator fell ill amid the heat
