Aryna Sabalenka to the rescue as fans struggle to cope with the heat during Wimbledon 2025 semi-final versus Amanda Anisimova
Published 10/07/2025 at 17:15 GMT+1
Aryna Sabalenka came to the rescue after a fan struggled to cope with the intense heat during Thursday's Wimbledon 2025 semi-final. The world No. 1 rushed toward the East Stand to give a spectator water after play was stopped so the fan could receive professional attention during the opening set of her clash with Amanda Anisimova. Temperatures in SW19 were as high as 29°C at the time.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
There was a moving moment during Aryna Sabalenka's clash with Amanda Anisimova in the semi-finals of Wimbledon.
Temperatures in SW19 were as high as 29°C during the crucial encounter on Centre Court, and the scorching summer sun was too much for some spectators.
With the score locked at 3-2 in the first set, the umpire stopped the match while security checked on a fan who was struggling to cope with the heat in the East Stand.
Sabalenka responded rapidly, racing over to her bench to grab her water bottle before passing it to a fan in the East Stand.
The world No. 1's quick thinking was greeted with warm applause from the Centre Court crowd.
Security also opened umbrellas in the stand in an attempt to create some much-needed shade.
The match resumed seven minutes later after the fan, who was reportedly able to stand, was escorted out of the arena.
The heat did not let up, though, and with the score at 5-4 in Anisimova's favour, there was a longer-than-expected delay between games.
That pause was caused by an issue involving a second fan, who was also struggling to cope with the intense temperatures.
The extreme weather conditions have played a significant role at Wimbledon this year, with temperatures on the opening day reportedly reaching as high as 32.3°C.
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That was the hottest opening day at Wimbledon since records began.
Both players are hoping to reach the final of Wimbledon for the first time. The winner of the match will face whoever comes out on top in the other semi-final between Belinda Bencic and Iga Swiatek.
Carlos Alcaraz found himself in a similar situation during his clash with Fabio Fognini earlier in the tournament. He also gave a fan his water bottle to help them deal with the heat.
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