The All England Club has confirmed that the women's and men's singles finals at Wimbledon will now start at 4pm, a two-hour delay from the traditional 2pm slot. This change, first introduced last year, becomes permanent from the 2026 tournament.
Revised Schedule for Doubles Finals
As a result of the shift, the doubles finals will be played earlier in the day. Both the men's and women's doubles championships will now begin at 1pm, rather than after the singles trophy ceremonies. This provides doubles players with a more reliable start time, eliminating the uncertainty of waiting for lengthy singles matches to conclude.
Rationale Behind the Change
All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton explained that the primary goal is to enhance the overall experience for everyone involved. "We want to attract the broadest possible global audience and improve the day for spectators," she said. The later start aligns with peak viewing times in key markets, particularly the United States, where a 4pm London start corresponds to 11am Eastern Time.
Addressing Viewership Decline
The decision also follows a notable drop in BBC viewing figures during the 2024 tournament. The 2024 women's final attracted approximately 400,000 fewer peak viewers than the previous year, prompting broadcasters to push for a more favourable time slot.
Spectator Experience and Potential Drawbacks
The later start gives attending spectators more time to explore the grounds and soak up the atmosphere before the showpiece matches. However, there are concerns about fading light, especially for the men's final, which is a best-of-five format. If the match extends late, it may need to conclude under the Centre Court roof with artificial lighting.
