30-06-2025
Tennis fans told NOT to travel to Wimbledon with queue 'at capacity' and crowds facing 'several hours to get in' in 34C on hottest opening day ever
Tennis fans were given a shock on Monday morning after being told to stay away from Wimbledon as it is already 'at capacity'.
Earl's Court tube station, a popular changeover point en route to Wimbledon, was packed with tennis fans who had flown in from all over the world.
But an announcement over the PA system quickly put a dampener on the excitement after it was revealed the grounds were already 'at capacity' before 9am.
The Queue is incredibly popular in the opening week and fans had been in it since the early hours of the day in order to make it into the grounds for Day One.
Those who had opted for a slightly later lie-in faced disappointment then when they were told that non-ticket holders risk not getting in, or at best 'several hours' waiting in the queue with temperatures soaring for the rest of the day.
An update from Wimbledon's official website on Monday read: 'Please be aware that the Queue for Day 1 - Monday 30th June - is very busy and to avoid disappointment we strongly advise you not to travel to the Grounds today.
'Please note there is hot weather forecast for Monday and Tuesday. In both The Queue and the Grounds there may be periods where shade is not available.
'Please plan appropriately, including bringing water, suncream and a hat. Water refill points are available in the Queue and around the Grounds.'
