Extreme weather is increasingly affecting some of the world’s biggest tennis tournaments with rising temperatures and heavier rainfall creating new challenges for players, spectators, and organizers according to a new analysis by Climate Central.
The study examined temperature and rainfall trends at the four Grand Slam tournaments the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open between 1970 and 2025. Researchers found that climate change has significantly increased the number of hot days during these events and, in some locations, has also contributed to more frequent heavy rainfall.
According to the analysis, the likelihood of experiencing a hot tournament day, defined as temperatures reaching 28°C or higher, has increased across all four Grand Slam venues over the past five decades. The US Open recorded the sharpest rise, with the chance of a hot day increasing from 49 per cent in the 1970s to 67 per cent in the 2020s.
The French Open experienced the fastest warming trend among the four tournaments. Average temperatures during the event have risen by 3.5°C since 1970. Wimbledon has also become noticeably warmer, recording an increase of 2.5°C over the same period.
Researchers estimate that climate change has added around 160 extra hot days across all Grand Slam tournaments since 1970. The US Open alone accounted for 98 of those additional hot days. At the French Open and Wimbledon most of the hot days recorded during the study period would not have occurred without human caused climate change.
The growing heat poses risks for both players and fans. High temperatures can increase the likelihood of heat stress dehydration, and physical exhaustion during matches. To address these concerns, some tournaments have introduced heat related protocols. Wimbledon, for example, allows a 10 minute break during singles matches when wet bulb globe temperatures exceed established safety thresholds.
The study also found changes in rainfall patterns. Heavy rain days, defined as days receiving at least 10 millimetres of precipitation, have increased at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the Australian Open since 1970. Such weather disruptions can affect match schedules and create logistical challenges particularly on courts without retractable roofs.
Climate Central said the findings highlight the growing impact of climate change on global sporting events. As temperatures continue to rise and weather patterns become more extreme major tournaments may need to adapt further to protect athletes, spectators and event operations.
The researchers noted that tennis is one of many sports already experiencing the effects of climate change with increasing heatwaves and extreme weather events becoming a larger part of the sporting landscape worldwide.