Wimbledon semi-final stopped as Taylor Fritz steps in to help fan during Alcaraz clash

The searing heat caused chaos at Wimbledon as the semi-final between Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz had to be halted twice during one game as spectators wilted on Centre Court.

Fritz sent cold water over to the first tennis fan to suffer the effects of the 32-degree temperature and the umpire came down from her chair to check the incident was not too serious.

But no sooner had play resumed than another spectator had to be attended to by stewards, receiving care beneath umbrellas.
Play was again stopped but Alcaraz, the defending champion, and Fritz were able to resume when the woman was helped from the court and taken to the medical rooms.

During Thursday's women's semi-finals on Centre Court, three spectators had to be treated for what seemed to be sunstroke.

During the first few hours of the afternoon, the front 20 rows of the famous arena are in direct sunlight and Friday was one of the hottest days of the year.

All around Wimbledon, there are heat warnings and all scoreboards tell people to make sure they refill water bottles.
There are refilling stations dotted around the All England Club grounds.

The players, of course, stay well- hydrated but Andre Agassi, in the commentary box, said they do have concerns for the spectators.

He said: "As players we train for this heat. They (spectators) are sitting in the baking sun and as players we worry about them.
Let's hope they are OK."

There were no updates on the spectators who needed attention.