The Wimbledon singles finals will begin at 4pm this weekend, two hours later than the traditional 2pm start, following a scheduling change first introduced last year. The All England Club confirmed the shift for both the women's final on Saturday and the men's final on Sunday.
Doubles Finals Moved Earlier
As a direct consequence, the doubles finals have been rescheduled to start at 1pm each day, before the singles matches. Previously, doubles finals were often delayed until after singles trophy ceremonies, leaving players uncertain about their start times.
Global Audience Ambitions
All England Club CEO Sally Bolton stated that the primary goal is to enhance the overall experience for everyone involved. A key driver is attracting a larger global audience. A 4pm start in London translates to 11am Eastern Time in the US, making it more convenient for American viewers.
Domestic Viewership Concerns
The change also addresses a drop in BBC viewing figures. The 2024 women's final peaked at roughly 400,000 fewer viewers than the previous year, prompting broadcasters to push for a more favourable slot.
Improved Fan Experience
For on-site spectators, the later start provides more time to explore the grounds and soak up the atmosphere before the showpiece matches.
Potential Light Issues
However, a 4pm start raises concerns about diminishing daylight, especially if a best-of-five men's final extends into a marathon. In such cases, play may need to conclude under the Centre Court roof with floodlights.
