Wimbledon Courts Defy Heat: A Secret Green Oasis

Wimbledon's famous green courts have remained lush amid Britain's record heatwave, a stark contrast to much of London's parched lawns. Head of courts and horticulture, Neil Stubley, revealed that years of research into drought-tolerant grasses are key. Since 2001, the tournament courts have been sown with perennial ryegrass, chosen for its hardiness.

The groundskeeping team, comprising 31 specialists, meticulously monitors conditions, using specialized probes to measure soil moisture and consulting numerous weather applications approximately every seven minutes. This detailed approach allows for precise irrigation, ensuring the playing surfaces remain optimal despite the challenging climate. The courts' unique irrigation programs are adjusted daily based on microclimate data.

Unlike other Grand Slam tournaments played on hard courts or clay, Wimbledon exclusively uses natural grass. This live surface requires constant vigilance not only against heat but also from player movements. The sliding of players like Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner can damage the grass, acting like a 'cheese grater' on the blades, a factor the groundskeepers must account for in their extensive maintenance routines.