The Wimbledon men's and women's singles finals have been permanently shifted to a 4pm start time, two hours later than the traditional 2pm slot, tournament organisers confirmed. The change, first trialled last year, is now official for both Saturday and Sunday championship matches.
New Schedule for Doubles Finals
The doubles finals will now take place before the singles matches, beginning at 1pm. Previously, doubles were often delayed by lengthy singles matches, leaving players uncertain about their start times. All England Club CEO Sally Bolton said the changes aim to "significantly improve the overall experience for everyone participating."
Boosting Global Viewership
A key driver is attracting a larger international audience. A 4pm start in London translates to 11am Eastern Time in the United States, making it more accessible for American viewers. The BBC saw a marked decline in 2024 viewership, with the women's final drawing about 400,000 fewer peak viewers than the previous year, prompting broadcasters to lobby for a better slot.
Enhanced Fan Experience
The later start also gives spectators more time to explore the grounds and soak in the atmosphere before the marquee matches. However, there are concerns about fading daylight: if a men's final extends to five sets, play may need to finish under the Centre Court roof with floodlights.
