The Wimbledon men's singles final will start at 4pm for the second year running after tournament organisers confirmed a major shake-up to the traditional schedule. For decades, the championship match had begun at 2pm on Centre Court, but the All England Club has opted to retain the later start time introduced last year in a move designed to boost global television audiences and improve the experience for players and spectators alike.
Doubles Finals Also Affected
The scheduling change also affects the doubles finals, with both the men's and women's championship matches now taking place before the singles finals. They will begin at 1pm, giving doubles players a far clearer timetable after years of waiting for lengthy singles matches to finish before taking to the court.
Global Audience and TV Ratings
All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton said the changes were made with the aim of enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved in the tournament. A major factor behind the decision is the desire to maximise the worldwide audience for one of tennis' biggest occasions. A 4pm start in London means the men's final will begin at 11am on the east coast of the United States, making it significantly more accessible for American viewers and helping Wimbledon reach a broader international audience.
The move is also understood to have been influenced by television viewing trends in the UK. BBC audience figures fell during the 2024 Championships, with the women's singles final attracting around 400,000 fewer peak viewers than the previous year. A later start is expected to provide a more favourable viewing slot for broadcasters.
Fan Experience and Player Benefits
The revised schedule is also intended to improve the experience for fans attending Wimbledon in person. A later showpiece match allows spectators more time to enjoy the grounds, explore the tournament and soak up the atmosphere before taking their seats on Centre Court.
The change also removes one of the long-standing frustrations for doubles players. Under the previous schedule, the doubles finals were often forced to wait until after the conclusion of the singles finals and trophy presentations, making start times difficult to predict. Beginning at 1pm gives competitors greater certainty over when they will play.
Potential Drawback
There is, however, one potential drawback. A 4pm start leaves less margin for error should the men's final become an epic five-set contest lasting well into the evening. In that scenario, there is an increased likelihood of play continuing under the closed Centre Court roof with the floodlights in use as natural light fades.
