Tennis fans were given a shock on Monday morning after being told to stay away from Wimbledon as it is already ‘at capacity’.
Earl’s Court tube station, a popular changeover point en route to Wimbledon, was packed with tennis fans who had flown in from all over the world.
But an announcement over the PA system quickly put a dampener on the excitement after it was revealed the grounds were already ‘at capacity’ before 9am.
The Queue is incredibly popular in the opening week and fans had been in it since the early hours of the day in order to make it into the grounds for Day One.
Those who had opted for a slightly later lie-in faced disappointment then when they were told that non-ticket holders risk not getting in, or at best ‘several hours’ waiting in the queue with temperatures soaring for the rest of the day.
An update from Wimbledon’s official website on Monday read: ‘Please be aware that the Queue for Day 1 – Monday 30th June – is very busy and to avoid disappointment we strongly advise you not to travel to the Grounds today.
Fans have been in the Queue at Wimbledon as they bid to get in on the tournament’s first day
Hundreds waited overnight with Wimbledon telling fans that the queue is ‘at capacity’
The tournament is set to have its hottest ever opening day with temperatures reaching 34C
Earl’s Court tube station was packed with tennis fans as they travelled to the All England Club
‘Please note there is hot weather forecast for Monday and Tuesday. In both The Queue and the Grounds there may be periods where shade is not available.
‘Please plan appropriately, including bringing water, suncream and a hat. Water refill points are available in the Queue and around the Grounds.’
The Queue offers fans the chance to buy limited Show Court tickets or a Grounds ticket, which are sold on a best available, one per person queuing basis.
Ahead of the tournament Wimbledon warned fans to check the status of the Queue before travelling, with the tournament having a maximum grounds capacity of 42,000 spectators.
Fans in the queue could be faced with predicted temperatures of 34 degrees as they aim to enter the grounds for the first day of play.
A record is expected to be smashed for the hottest start to the tournament, with the previous highest of 29.3C being recorded back in 2001.
The temperature could lead to Wimbledon applying a heat rule for matches during the day.
The heat rule will allow players to have a 10-minute break when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is at or above 30.1 degrees Celsius.
The heat index is a measure, which factors together the air temperature, the humidity and the surface temperature and is measured by a heat stress monitor. Readings are taken 30 minutes prior to the start of play and then at 14.00 and 17.00.
Only one of the players participating in the match needs to request the break for the rule to be implemented.
Wimbledon state that the rule will apply after the second set for all best of three set matches, and after the third for all best of five set matches. Players may leave the court during the break, but they may not receive coaching or medical treatment.
The heat rule will not apply to matches played under the roofs.
