Mark Petchey: Fans feeling the heat at Wimbledon

Sky Sports tennis expert Mark Petchey thinks breaks in play at Wimbledon make it tough for the spectators.

Temperatures are expected to reach up to 35 degrees in SW19 today as a heatwave hits the capital.

There are heat rules in place under the Women's Tennis Association code of conduct to protect the female players only.

The WTA say that ladies playing singles should be allowed to take a a 10-minute break - between the second and third sets - if the thermometer hits 30.1 degrees centigrade.

The men's game has no such rule and Petchey thinks any further disruptions would make it hard for the fans.

He told Sky Sports News HQ: "It is a little bit of inequality I'm not sure when the men would have the break - is it after the third or fourth set? But it is what it is.

"If they both agree or one of them wants it then obviously they both have to go off and they have to sort of bide their time. You'd go off, you'd have a cool shower have a change of clothes, you re-hydrate as much as you can, you get something to eat in your system.

"Listen, if it's for the safety of the players, and it's the right thing to do, then I am all for it. It is quite tough for the fans that 10-minute break when the entertainment suddenly has dropped, then you have to build that adrenaline up after a potentially captivating second set."

With Wednesday's temperatures expected to be even higher, the Met Office has issued a 'Level Two Heat Alert' which helps healthcare services prepare to deal with a potential surge in cases of people suffering from heat-related issues.

Andy Murray begins his challenge for another Wimbledon title against Mikhail Kukushkin today. You can follow all the gripping action as it unfolds on our dedicated blog.