“Charging will resume when your iPhone returns to normal temperature,” reads the message on my mobile screen.
It is the hottest day of the Championships — 91 F (33 C) — and the sun is beating down on Centre Court with no shade for the players save the umbrellas which pop up over them at the change of ends. Eala wipes down her legs with a bag of ice before plonking it on her head.
Wimbledon’s heat rule allows singles players only, and not doubles players, to take a 10-minute break between the second and third set for best-of-three-set matches, or between the third and fourth set for best-of-five-set matches, when the heat stress index is at or above 30.1 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit)
The reading is based on a heat stress index, measured by a heat stress monitor which considers air temperature, humidity and surface temperature. Readings are taken 30 minutes before the start of play and then at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. local time.
The heat rule is not yet in place for today, confirms the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
