Tech and schedule shifts: The changes coming to Wimbledon 2025

Sunday, 15 June 2025 at 04:30

The Wimbledon organisers have announced a change to this year’s final weekend schedule. Unlike previous editions, the start times for both the men's and women's finals will be delayed by two hours.

Scheduling is often a hot topic at Grand Slam tournaments, especially when the possibility of rain causes delays. Both finals will still be held on Centre Court, which features a retractable roof in case of adverse weather conditions.

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Wimbledon confirmed that for this edition, the men’s doubles final (Saturday, July 12) will begin at 1:00 p.m. local time, followed by the women’s singles final at 4:00 p.m. On Sunday, July 13, the women’s doubles final will start at 1:00 p.m., with the men’s singles final also scheduled for 4:00 p.m.

While rain can lead to the roof being closed, a possible delay or an especially long final — particularly on the men’s side — might force organisers to close the roof due to lack of natural light. At Roland Garros, the men’s final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner lasted nearly five and a half hours. A similar duration at Wimbledon could result in an interruption mid-match to close the roof, which would change the playing conditions.

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“The aim is to enhance the experience for everyone involved. Doubles players will have a clearer idea of their match times, fans can enjoy more of the Wimbledon day before matches begin, and champions will be crowned in front of the biggest possible audience,” said Sally Bolton, Chief Executive of the All England Club.

This year’s Wimbledon will also mark the first use of electronic line calling on all courts, fully replacing line judges — a system already in use at the Australian Open and US Open.

Another notable decision: unlike other Grand Slam tournaments such as Roland Garros, Wimbledon does not plan to extend the tournament to 15 days, keeping its traditional 14-day format.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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