- Wimbledon starts on Monday and the qualifications are currently taking place
- But there have been major problems with the water supply in Roehampton
- One fan even claimed that the water available at gas stations was “undrinkable.”
Wimbledon has suffered an embarrassing accident just days before the Grand Slam kicks off after staff reportedly admitted the water at bottle refilling stations during the qualifying event was ‘undrinkable’.
The iconic Grand Slam starts on Monday, but qualifying takes place this week in Roehampton, with 16 places available in the men’s and women’s singles draws.
However, despite the scorching weather on display, problems have arisen with the drinking water available to spectators.
The quality of free water at Wimbledon petrol stations has regularly come under fire over the years, but on Tuesday some fans explained how the system was completely broken.
As a result, staff were forced to hand out free bottles of Evian, a major sponsor of Wimbledon.
Wimbledon has suffered an embarrassing accident, days before the Grand Slam begins
There have been issues with the drinking water available to fans during qualifying in Roehampton
Fans took to X to reveal that the water available at the refill stations was described as ‘undrinkable’
One fan told The water from the refill taps is ‘not drinkable’ and that is why they hand out bottles of Evian.’
Another supporter added: ‘The system went downhill fast. It was closed to the public and they started handing out Evian water bottles to everyone.
“They said they were going to fix the problem on Wednesday. No water in the ladies’ toilets for about two hours. Charming.’
The accident comes after Wimbledon revealed a new scheme will be in place this year with fans paying for bottle refills.
In partnership with Evian, fans can pay £5 to secure Evian mineral water refills at various stations around the venue, a venture that is the first of its kind.
Gemma Morgan, marketing director of Evian’s parent company Danone, explained the new initiative: ‘We know that topping up plays and will continue to play an important role in the way people consume water here in the UK.
“The response to the player refill system last year was incredibly positive, so we want to expand refilling to spectators to explore the possibilities on a larger scale.”
It also comes after players were given the opportunity to take part in the refill system last year, when it was offered in changing rooms and restaurants.
114,000 single-use plastic bottles were supplied for the 2022 tournament, while just 10,000 reusable bottles were provided to the stars in 2023, something that was welcomed by players including Emma Raducanu.
Wimbledon unveiled a new plan that will see Evian charge fans to refill their bottles
The quality of free water at Wimbledon water points has come under fire in recent years
Former British star Laura Robson has previously hit out at stars for wasting water during the Grand Slam
Similarly, former British star Laura Robson previously targeted those who wasted water by using plastic bottles.
“There are all these players on the practice courts who just take a few sips from a water bottle and then leave it there,” she said.
‘Should there perhaps be a fine? We joke about it, but maybe that should happen after all.’