Wimbledon: Holding Steady at 14 Days

No Appetite for a 15-Day Championships

Wimbledon, the prestigious grass-court Grand Slam, has no plans to extend its duration to 15 days, unlike the US Open and Australian Open. Former British number one and Wimbledon semi-finalist Tim Henman, now an All England Tennis Club board member, confirmed the tournament's commitment to its 14-day format.

The decision to move from 13 to 14 days in 2022, by eliminating the middle Sunday rest day, was already a significant move, primarily driven by concerns about the condition of Centre Court's grass surface. The extended play takes its toll, and the middle Sunday previously provided crucial time for essential maintenance.

Protecting the Sacred Turf

Henman explained that the wear and tear on Centre Court, used daily throughout the Championships, necessitates careful management. With around 80 hours of tennis played on the iconic court, extending the tournament further could severely compromise the playing surface, especially for the crucial final weekend.

"The appetite to go to 15 days is zero, first and foremost because of the courts," stated Henman, emphasizing the importance of preserving the quality of the grass.

The 11 p.m. Curfew: A Wimbledon Quirk That Works

Another distinguishing feature of Wimbledon is its 11 p.m. curfew, a stark contrast to the late-night and early-morning finishes often seen at other Grand Slams. While some may find the curfew unusual, it's a popular feature with players, media, organizers, and fans alike.

Speaking at the launch of Sky Sports’ tennis coverage, Henman, part of the Sky Sports commentary team, acknowledged the curfew’s unique nature: "I've always thought it was slightly bizarre that one of the great sporting events in the world almost has, like a bedtime." However, he conceded its effectiveness, adding, "But actually, the 11 o'clock deadline works very, very well. It's hard for everyone when you get these two, three, four in the morning finishes."

Embracing Technology: The End of Line Judges

While Wimbledon fiercely upholds its traditions, it recognizes the need to adapt. The tournament has embraced electronic line calling, phasing out line judges. With all ATP Tour events adopting the technology this year, Henman acknowledged that retaining line judges would have been "very bizarre." This move aligns Wimbledon with the broader tennis world while ensuring accuracy and consistency in officiating.