The Wimbledon Roof: A £100 Million Solution to Britain's Most Predictable Problem

By Lewis Barnett 5 July, 2025 7 mins read 32 Views

God, I love how we act surprised every year when it rains at Wimbledon.

Like, seriously? It's Britain in June and July. Of course it's going to rain. My mate Dave (who's never watched tennis in his life) could've told you that. Yet for over a century, the All England Club just... dealt with it. Players standing around looking miserable, fans huddled under umbrellas, Sir Cliff Richard spontaneously performing in 1996 because what else are you gonna do?

Then someone finally had the brilliant idea: "What if we just put a roof on the thing?"

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Why It Took Forever to Get This Obvious Solution

The All England Club rejected roof proposals for years. Years! I'm talking multiple occasions where some poor architect probably walked in with blueprints and got shot down faster than a paper airplane in a hurricane.

But money talks, doesn't it? Once the broadcasters started getting antsy about rain delays (because dead air time equals lost advertising revenue), suddenly the roof didn't seem like such a crazy idea. Tim Phillips, who was chairman back then, finally admitted: "We owe it to tennis fans to investigate all the possibilities for play to take place even if it is raining."

Translation: "The TV people are breathing down our necks and we're losing millions."

The tricky bit was maintaining that precious grass court "microclimate" - because Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam still played on grass, and they're weirdly protective of that tradition. Fair enough, I suppose.

Remember that epic 2008 final between Federer and Nadal? Four hours and 48 minutes of pure tennis poetry, but half of it was spent waiting for the rain to stop. Poor guys must've been freezing their asses off.

The Engineering Marvel (That Only Took Three Years)

Construction kicked off in 2006 with the demolition of the old roof. Imagine being the person operating that wrecking ball - "Today I'm destroying Wimbledon's roof. Tomorrow, who knows?"

Three years later, in April 2009, they unveiled this massive retractable beast made from Tenara fabric. And yes, before you ask, it's waterproof. Would be a bit embarrassing if it wasn't.

Ten Minutes to Save the Day

Here's the cool part: the roof closes in about 10 minutes. Ten minutes! I've seen people take longer to decide what to watch on Netflix.

But here's where it gets interesting - they need a full 30 minutes before play can resume. Why? The air conditioning has to work its magic, drying the grass so players don't slip and break their necks. Health and safety gone mad? Maybe. But I'd rather watch tennis than a medical emergency.

The speed means fans don't have to scramble for rain gear like they're fleeing a natural disaster, and players can just chill courtside instead of sprinting for cover.

The "No Backsies" Rule

Once that roof closes, it stays closed until the match ends. Even if the sun comes out and it turns into a perfect summer day, tough luck. Tournament rules are tournament rules.

There's one exception though - if they close it in the evening because of poor light (not rain), the match doesn't have to finish that night. Wimbledon has an 11pm curfew because apparently even tennis has bedtime rules. The match resumes the next day, and they can choose whether to keep the roof closed or open it up.

The Roof's Greatest Hits

May 17, 2009: First test run in an exhibition match. I bet someone was sweating bullets hoping it actually worked.

June 29, 2009: First competitive use during a fourth-round women's match between Amelie Mauresmo and Dinara Safina. Historic moment, though probably not what either player was thinking about while getting rained on.

The first complete match under the roof? Andy Murray beating Stanislas Wawrinka in the fourth round of the men's singles. That match went until 10:38pm, smashing the previous record of 9:17pm. Murray probably went home and slept like a baby.

July 2012: Federer beat Murray in the first final to be partially played under the roof. Four sets, and Murray's heart probably broke a little more with each one.

The Price Tag (Spoiler: It's Ridiculous)

The roof weighs 3,000 tonnes. Three thousand! That's like... well, it's really heavy. I'm not good with comparisons, but trust me, it's a lot.

Cost? The All England Club won't say officially, but estimates put it between £80-£100 million. For a roof. A really, really expensive roof that closes in 10 minutes and has its own air conditioning system.

They liked it so much they built another one on Court One, which was ready for the 2019 tournament. Because apparently one £100 million roof wasn't enough.

But you know what? It works. No more Sir Cliff Richard impromptu concerts (sorry, Sir Cliff), no more four-hour rain delays, and no more players standing around looking like wet cats.

Sometimes the most obvious solution really is the best one. Even if it takes a century and £100 million to figure that out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does playing on different surfaces affect tennis matches

The style and speed of tennis matches can be affected significantly by different playing surfaces. Grasscourts tend to favor players with a fast-paced game, such as big servers or those who play an aggressive style. Clay courts have a slower ball speed and a higher bounce. They are better for players with tenacity and topspin. Hard courts provide a balanced playing field that is neither too fast nor too slow, rewarding well-rounded players. These variations in surfaces necessitate different strategic approaches and can heavily influence match outcomes.

What is the significance of the grass courts at Wimbledon?

Wimbledon's grass courts are unique in tennis because it is the last Grand Slam to be played on this surface. The grass courts are a great surface for a fast-paced, low-bouncing tennis game that tests the player's abilities in countless ways. Wimbledon (formally The Championships) began in the year 1877. The tournament is known for its rich tradition and strict dress codes. Wimbledon's legendary lawns are considered by many to be the pinnacle of tennis career.

Who has been credited with standardizing modern tennis?

Major Walter Clopton Wingfield can be credited with a large part of the standardization of modern tennis. In 1873 Wingfield invented a new version of tennis, called Sphairistike. The game was played on a grass hourglass court. Wingfield's game had a simplified scoring method and equipment that was similar to today's. This version of the game laid the foundations for modern lawn tennis rules. By 1877 the first Wimbledon Championships was held, cementing its rules and structure.

What role do tennis icons play in popularizing the game?

Tennis icons have played an important role in popularizing tennis around the world. Throughout history, charismatic players such as Billie Jean King and Pete Sampras have captured the imagination of the public. Their accomplishments on the court, and their personalities off the court have drawn not only fans to tennis but also inspired the younger generations to play the sport. Their legacies go beyond their titles. They shape the culture of tennis and its marketplace.

How have women's contributions shaped tennis?

Tennis has been significantly shaped by the women's performances, as well as their off-court activism for equality and recognition. Billie Jean King's advocacy for equal prize money and career opportunities was a major reason why the Women's Tennis Association, or WTA, was founded in 1973. Icons such as Steffi Graf, Venus and Serena Williams, and Martina Navratilova dramatically raised the sport's profile with their talent and competitive spirit. Women's tennis is often watched by equal numbers of men and women, which highlights the sport's appeal to both genders.

Statistics

Since the Open Era began in 1968, allowing professional players to compete in the Grand Slams, the United States has produced the most Grand Slam singles titles across men's and women's competition.
Major Walter Clopton Wingfield is often credited with pioneering the rules of modern tennis in 1873, and his version of the game was patented under the name "Sphairistikè."
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) governs over 200 nations, indicating the sport's vast international governance structure and participation rate.
The modern game of tennis originated in England in the late 19th century, with the first Wimbledon Championship held in 1877.
The four Grand Slam tournaments collectively attract over 3.5 million spectators in person, highlighting tennis's enduring appeal.

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How To

What Tennis Racket is Right for You?

Consider your playing style and skill level when choosing the right tennis racket. Beginners might benefit from rackets designed with a large sweet spot. Intermediates may choose rackets of a mid-plus size that balance power and control. For precision, most advanced players opt for mid-size or "control" rackets. Additionally, assess the racket's weight, balance, and string pattern. Consult a coach to get personalized advice.