Carlos Alcaraz rejects Wimbledon idea that could protect supporters from extreme heat

Carlos Alcaraz insists he does not want Wimbledon to close the roofs on Centre Court and Court 1 due to extreme heat. A supporter fell ill midway through the fifth set of Alcaraz's clash with Fabio Fognini on Monday evening.

Medics rushed to help as Alcaraz sent a bottle of water up to the stands. The already length match was paused by 15 minutes while the fan was treated.

It is thought the blistering heat - which peaked at 34C - cause the supporter to become unwell.

But Alcaraz does not think it would be good practice to close the stadium room because of the high temperature.

"Well, because of the sun, of the heat, I think it shouldn't close the roof because we will play in outdoor tournament. So the roof is just because if we can't play in another way," Alcaraz said.

"I think battling the heat, the hot, I think is one of the things that we have to do. Probably the match can't be in a way, in another way, because of the hot. I think we have to deal with it in the best way possible. Obviously for the fan, and even here in London, they are not used to having this weather. Sitting five hours in the stand without moving, the sun hitting, I think could be really difficult to deal with for the spectators.

"But we are playing outdoor tournament, so I think that the roof shouldn't be closed because of it."

Alcaraz takes on British world No. 733 Oliver Tarvet in the second round and he is not going to get complaement against such a lowely ranked opponent.

"If he's here, he is in the second round, is because he deserve it. He's playing a great tennis," Alcaraz added.

"I don't have to think like I'm going to win easily. I have to have respect to him. Playing or trying to play my best, step on the court thinking that if I don't play my best, I can lose.

"I've seen him play, and he has a good level. Even though he's not playing professionally or he has played just his first tour level match, it doesn't matter. All those things I have to think that is going to be a really tough match.

"Is going to be a difficult one that I have to be ready for, and I'm trying to play my best without thinking about ranking and anything else. I have to have that respect to him, as well."

To be the first to receive the latest Wimbledon news, join our WhatsApp community or Wimbledon newsletter