**Wimbledon Singles Finals See Unprecedented Scheduling Change as Matches Move to 4pm Start**
In an historic shift for one of the world’s most beloved tennis tournaments, the singles finals at this year’s Wimbledon will begin at 4pm—two hours later than the traditional start time. The All England Club confirmed the change, marking the first occasion in Wimbledon’s storied history when the finals will commence so late in the day, prompting speculation on the reasons and potential impact of this major adjustment.
The 2025 men’s singles final will see Spanish prodigy Carlos Alcaraz face Italian contender Jannik Sinner on Centre Court. Previously, spectators have been accustomed to settling in by 2pm for championship Sunday; this year, the opening serves will be delayed until after mid-afternoon, a move that has raised eyebrows among traditionalists and prompted widespread commentary from the tennis community.
Iga Swiatek’s dominant performance during Saturday’s women’s final, where she dispatched Amanda Anisimova in barely over an hour, showcased the unpredictability of match duration. However, regardless of result, all singles finals this summer share the new 4pm billing. Explaining the decision, Sally Bolton, Chief Executive of the All England Club, emphasised the desire to “optimise global viewership” and enrich the experience for both spectators and athletes.
“By adjusting the provisional schedule for Wimbledon’s final weekend, we aim to guarantee that every element of the tournament builds toward a true crescendo,” Bolton told the press. She pointed out that the updated structure enables doubles competitors a clearer idea of their playing times and ensures the largest possible worldwide audience for crowning the new champions.
The implications for television viewing figures are proving particularly pertinent this year. The BBC, which holds broadcast rights for the prestigious tournament, will be closely monitoring audience numbers after experiencing notable declines in 2024. Last year’s women’s final, in which Barbora Krejcikova overcame Jasmine Paolini, attracted 400,000 fewer UK viewers than Marketa Vondrousova’s triumph in 2023, according to data reported by national outlets.
The men’s finals have seen even sharper drops—last year’s Alcaraz-Djokovic final drew a substantially diminished audience, with around 3.8 million fewer spectators tuning in compared to their previous high-profile clash. It is, therefore, little surprise that BBC executives have welcomed the later start, hoping a prime slot may entice tens of thousands more to watch live at home.
Despite these ambitions, the new timing has also raised logistical concerns rooted in the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam tennis. Five-set battles on Centre Court can often stretch late into the evening. With memories fresh of the recent French Open, where Alcaraz and Sinner played a marathon lasting over five hours, tournament organisers are mindful of the possibility that a late finish could brush up against Wimbledon’s strict 11pm curfew.
The prospect of switching on roof lights, or even pausing play to close the Centre Court roof in such a scenario, remains a potential challenge. Nonetheless, organisers insist the change is thoroughly considered. Bolton assured fans and players alike that the club has devoted considerable effort to analysing historical data and match durations to mitigate disruption. Yet, she acknowledged that the utmost priority remains delivering a world-class spectacle within the constraints of the venue’s operating hours.
The tennis world now turns its attention to Sunday’s much-anticipated showdown. With two of the sport’s rising stars on court and new scheduling in play, both viewership and fan reactions will be closely scrutinised. Whether the change brings fresh energy to the event—or proves an unwelcome break from tradition—remains to be seen.
As Wimbledon embarks on this new era, officials and fans alike are reminded that even the most hallowed sporting traditions sometimes adapt, reshaping their legacy for generations to come.