Wimbledon fan carried out on makeshift stretcher as Swiatek vs Bencic match stopped

A Wimbledon fan fell ill during Iga Swiatek's clash with Belinda Bencic at Centre Court and had to be carried out on a makeshift stretcher by medical staff. Bencic raced into a 3-0 lead inside 10 minutes but the match was paused immediately after that game.

The spectator was sat in the shade behind the umpire's chair and medical personnel attended the scene. They erected two large umbrellas to preserve the person's privacy as they were treated. After being tended to for 10 minutes, the fan was carried out on a makeshift yellow stretcher.

This was the third supporter to require medical attention inside Centre Court today, with many struggling to cope with the blistering 31 degree heat. Aryna Sabalenka rushed to the aid of both persons that were treated in the first match of the day, taking water from her courtside seat.

However, the Belarusian was beaten by Amanda Anisimova over three sets and denied her change of a first Wimbledon title.

Speaking during the stoppage of Swiatek's clash with Bencic, commentator Sam Smith said: "I am just hearing that the medics have arrived and that's what we are waiting for, there have been a few heat-related illnesses over the course of the first semi-final as well."

And Martina Navratilova added: "It seems to happen a lot more often these days. I think I remember like twice, ever, in my career that we had to stop for a medical situation on the court."

Anne Keothavong chipped in with: "But this has got to be one of the warmest Wimbledons on record, today we are up in the 30s (degrees) aren't we."

Navratilova has her theory: "But there's no global warming you know, according to many people. Try sitting on the grass and see how you feel today."

Ahead of this semi-final, Swiatek refused to use the weather as any excuse.

"Well, it was hot for first two days and then it was raining. I wouldn't say it was completely constant, like the weather," she explained.

"But when you just play well, I guess at the end it doesn't matter. When you play bad, you look at these things, and you try to explain to yourself why was it different or something.

"I don't know. I just adjusted well to any conditions that I had this year on the tournament. I had the same in Bod Hamburg. It was also sometimes hot, sometimes like 20 degrees and a little bit humid. Yeah, no point to overthink that."