It's hotting up in SW19 and not just for players

SEARING heat made it a tough battle for both the players and the crowd at Wimbledon yesterday.

- By Geoff Maynard at Wimbledon

As spectators lathered on the sun cream and donned hats and shades, the sport's top operators took to the courts in scorching heat of 31C.

The Hill was packed with fans taking on plenty of refreshments as play began on Centre Court where hand fan-waving was essential to keep cool in the sun.

It proved too much for two female spectators who collapsed during the first set between world No1 Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova in the first women's semi-final.

On both occasions Sabalenka came over to offer a water bottle and ice pack to the fans who were led away by court staff under umbrellas for treatment.

Another spectator fell ill during Iga Swiatek's semi with Belinda Bencic and had to be carried away on a makeshift stretcher.

In the Royal Box, which has air conditioning, was the iceman himself five-time Wimbledon champion Bjorn Borg.