Henman reveals Why Wimbledon won't go beyond 14 days
```html
Wimbledon: Holding Steady at 14 Days, No Appetite for Expansion
A Balancing Act: Court Health and Tournament Length
Wimbledon, the prestigious grass-court Grand Slam, has made it clear: 14 days is the sweet spot. While other majors like the US and Australian Opens have embraced 15-day formats, Wimbledon remains committed to its current schedule.
This commitment stems largely from a desire to preserve the hallowed turf of Centre Court. The intense schedule of daily matches takes its toll, and extending the tournament could push the court's durability past its limit.
Former British number one, Tim Henman, now a member of the All England Tennis Club board, highlighted this concern. He explained that the previous middle Sunday rest day was crucial for court maintenance, ensuring a playable surface for the final rounds.
"The big issue from when it was a 13-day event was that the middle Sunday was absolutely about watering the court...to go to 14 days [was] a big decision."
The 11 p.m. Curfew: A Wimbledon Quirk That Works
Another defining feature of Wimbledon is its 11 p.m. curfew, a stark contrast to the late-night (or early morning) finishes seen at other Grand Slams. While some might consider it a peculiar limitation for such a prominent event, the curfew has proven surprisingly popular.
Players, media, organizers, and fans alike appreciate the predictable schedule. Henman, now part of the Sky Sports coverage team, acknowledges the curfew's effectiveness despite its seeming oddity.
"I've always thought it was slightly bizarre...like a bedtime...But actually, the 11 o'clock deadline works very, very well."
Embracing Technology: The End of Line Judges
While tradition reigns supreme at Wimbledon, even this iconic tournament isn't immune to the advancements of technology. The All England Club has joined the rest of the ATP Tour in adopting electronic line calling, phasing out traditional line judges.
Henman acknowledged the inevitability of this shift, stating that retaining line judges while other tournaments embraced technology would have seemed "very bizarre." This move marks a significant change, but one that aligns Wimbledon with the broader tennis landscape.