Tennis faces a climate challenge

Tennis is increasingly feeling the impact of climate change. Rising temperatures, coupled with unpredictable rainfall, are creating new challenges for players, tournament organisers and local clubs. The sport depends on outdoor facilities and suitable weather conditions. As the climate changes, protecting players’ health and keeping courts accessible are becoming as important as maintaining the quality of competition.
A major analysis by Climate Central, published in June earlier this year, examined temperature and rainfall data for the four Grand Slam tournaments from 1970 to 2025. It found that the likelihood of a tournament day reaching at least 28°C had increased at all four events. At Wimbledon, the number of such hot days rose from seven in the 1970s to 25 during 2016-2025. At the French Open, the figure increased from one to 16. The analysis also found more days of heavy rainfall during recent tournament periods at Wimbledon, the French Open and the Australian Open. These trends show how extreme weather can disrupt matches and affect both players and spectators.
Research published in Scientific Reports in July 2024 has also highlighted the risks posed by hot playing surfaces. Researchers measured heat conditions on different tennis courts in Japan and found that wet-bulb globe temperature readings on hard courts and sand-filled artificial grass courts were often higher than readings from the nearest weather station. This matters because players can face greater heat stress on the court than general weather reports suggest. The study recommended measuring conditions at individual courts to help prevent heat-related incidents.
The effects are not limited to elite tournaments. In August 2026, Loughborough University and the Lawn Tennis Association launched a research project titled Break Point: What Can Tennis Do to Mitigate and Adapt to Climate Change? The project will examine how rising temperatures, flooding and other extreme weather affect tennis and padel venues across Great Britain. It will also study the consequences for participation, coaches, volunteers and local communities. The aim is to develop practical measures that help the sport adapt to a changing climate.
For players, the immediate priority is heat safety. Long matches in hot and humid conditions can place considerable pressure on the body. Tournament organisers need reliable systems to monitor heat, provide shaded recovery areas and ensure access to drinking water and cooling facilities. Match timings may also need to change during periods of extreme heat. Research published in September 2026 in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, which analysed 13,081 men's matches at Grand Slam tournaments between 2000 and 2025, found that hotter conditions were associated with a slower match pace and longer median match duration. The findings reinforce the need for effective heat-management measures.
Grassroots tennis also needs attention. Heavy rainfall and flooding can damage courts, changing surfaces and making facilities unusable. Smaller clubs and public parks may lack the funds to repair such damage or invest in climate-resilient infrastructure. Better drainage, suitable court materials, shade, water-efficient maintenance and renewable energy can help reduce risks. Local authorities and sports bodies should support these measures so that the cost of adapting to climate change does not fall entirely on clubs and players.
Tennis must also examine its own environmental footprint. International tournaments involve extensive travel by players, officials and spectators. Equipment, temporary facilities, energy use and waste add to the burden. Organisers can reduce emissions through public transport, renewable electricity, waste reduction and responsible procurement. Spectators can contribute by avoiding unnecessary car journeys and reducing single-use plastic.
Therefore, climate adaptation should become part of tennis planning, from major championships to school courts. Research must guide decisions on scheduling, safety, infrastructure and resource use. Tennis has the opportunity to lead by example, showing that sport can respond to environmental change without compromising participation or competition. A sustainable future for tennis will depend on keeping the courts safe, accessible and fit for generations to come.