WIMBLEDON chiefs faced mounting pressure to break tradition and close the Centre Court roof for the finals this weekend – as fans continue to collapse in the scorching heat.
The much-anticipated semi-final clash between reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz had to be paused twice today when two spectators fell ill.
The 31C temperatures in SW19 got too much for one woman who was carried out by staff just 40 minutes into the match.
Minutes later, a pensioner became unwell in the stands and was treated by paramedics.
She collapsed again by the stairs as medics tried to stretcher her out.
Dozens of seats were left empty during the second set of the blockbuster showdown as those sitting in direct sunlight sought shade off the court.
At least eight spectators have fallen ill so far this year – prompting calls for Championship bosses to utilise the £70million retractable roof in hot weather.
Polish finalist Iga Swiatek, 24, questioned why it cannot be closed after someone in the crowd passed out during her semi-final win over Belinda Bencic on Thursday evening.
She said: “From what I saw and heard on different tournaments, they’re usually not willing to close the roof when it’s not raining, when it’s not a necessity.
“I’m not sure why.”
The world No4 said she would not object to the roof being shut “if it would help” protect fans.
The nail-biting clash was paused for nine minutes while the spectator was stretchered out.
It was the third medical incident of the day – after the blockbuster showdown between Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova was paused twice for the same reason.
Belarusian ace Sabalenka, 27, said “London is not ready for this weather” after she stepped in to hand-deliver an ice pack and water to fans struggling in the heat.
She added: “It was super hot. I can’t even imagine sitting in one place and the sun just constantly hitting you.”
US star Anisimova, 23, who caused upset by turfing out the world No1 to set up the Swiatek showdown, said the heat made the clash “tough”, adding: “I felt like I was getting tired throughout some points of the match.”
Wimbledon’s two show courts have air conditioning systems which maintain optimal conditions when the retractable roofs are closed.
The tech regulates temperature and humidity to ensure the grass court remains suitable for play.
But the roof – which takes around ten minutes to shut – has never been closed due to hot weather since it was completed in 2009.
Tennis fans have urged the club to reconsider the rules.
Helen Rushton, 68, who travelled to the tournament with her partner Ewart Dawson from Aberdeenshire, stressed: “If you’ve got the technology there, you might as well use it.”
Retired airline pilot Ewart, also 68, added: “It would keep everybody cool. It seems to be getting hotter every year.”
IT worker Kevin Dawson, 57, from Cheltenham, said the roof now has “dual purpose”.
He added: “It’s not a bad option to use it to avoid the sun.
“With the extreme temperatures, you can be sitting there for several hours with the sun pumping down on you.”
His wife Sue, 59, said it would stop the treatment of fans “delaying matches”
She added: “If you’ve got a roof, maybe use it to keep the matches going.”
The All England Club said it has significantly increased the number of messages on screens across the grounds and on courts to remind guests to seek shade, drink water and take time out of the sun.
But a spokesperson stressed they would never close the roof unless it’s raining.
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