Wimbledon ball boy collapses during Isner-Ebden match
Everyone keeps saying it’s too hot at Wimbledon with the temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, breaking a local record that had stood since 1976.
The heat caused more than 100 spectators to seek medical treatment on Monday and officials to limit ticket sales on Tuesday.
The players seem to be fine so far – but an incident Wednesday morning reminded everyone that while it’s hot on the grounds, it’s even worse on the courts.
On Court 17, where there is no roof or shade, a young ball boy collapsed during the match between No. 17 John Isner and Matthew Ebden. They were playing in the worst heat of the day. The boy collapsed just before 2 p.m.
The boy apparently suffered a seizure before collapsing on court. He was treated by tournament medical staff and was conscious when taken away.
Worrying sight on Court 17 - a ball boy has had a seizure and collapsed on court. Stretcher just arrived #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/mNLaxZWYeb
— Archie Rhind-Tutt (@archiert1) July 1, 2015
The Ball Boy from Court 17 has been treated and is feeling much better. We wish him a speedy recovery.
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 1, 2015
Wimbledon officials told The Guardian that ball boy and ball girl shifts have been shortened from one hour to 45 minutes due to the heat.
The ball boys and girls are also wearing hats with protective flaps along the sides and back to protect their necks from the sun.