They Actually Did It: Wimbledon Just Threw 106 Years of Tradition Out the Window

By Lewis Barnett 1 July, 2025 5 mins read 190 Views

Listen, I've been covering tennis for fifteen years, and this one caught me completely off guard.

The All England Club just announced they're moving both singles finals to 4pm starts instead of the traditional 2pm. My first thought? "Well, there goes another piece of tennis history." My second thought was way less printable.

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Money Talks, Tradition Walks

Let's cut through the corporate speak here. Yes, they're saying this helps the doubles finals get better crowds. Yes, they claim it's about "building to a crescendo." But come on – we all know what this is really about. That sweet, sweet American TV money.

ESPN didn't fork over $400 million (that's £290 million for those keeping track) just to watch tennis at 9am on the East Coast. Moving the start time to 4pm London time means Americans can tune in at a much more civilized 11am. Makes perfect business sense.

But here's where it gets messy.

When the Lights Go Out

Remember that epic Alcaraz-Sinner match at Roland Garros? Five and a half hours of pure tennis insanity. Now imagine that happening at Wimbledon with a 4pm start. We're talking about potentially finishing around 9:30pm or later.

In near darkness. Again.

Anyone else getting flashbacks to 2008? Rafa beating Federer at 9:15pm in what was basically twilight? That was magical, sure, but it was also completely unplanned. Now they're setting themselves up for this scenario on purpose.

The roof takes 15-20 minutes to close properly (gotta get that air conditioning working right). So if the light starts fading during the trophy ceremony, poor Clare Balding might end up conducting interviews under artificial lighting. Not exactly the traditional Wimbledon aesthetic they've spent over a century building.

The Scheduling Nightmare Nobody's Talking About

Here's something that's been bugging me since I heard this news. July 13th, the men's final date, there's this little thing called the Club World Cup final happening at 8pm in New Jersey. Potential overlap with a long tennis match? Absolutely.

And it gets worse. The 2026 World Cup Finals will be in North America. The 2028 European Championships are coming to England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. We're looking at years of potential conflicts between major sporting events and what could be very late-finishing tennis matches.

Sally Bolton, the AELTC chief executive, tried to put a positive spin on it: "The finals days now builds to a crescendo of those singles finals... in front of the largest possible global audience."

Translation: We're chasing viewers and revenue, tradition be damned.

What This Really Means

Look, I get it. Tennis is a business. The All England Club has bills to pay and shareholders to please (well, sort of – they're technically a private club, but you know what I mean). That ESPN deal runs until 2035, so we're locked into this American-friendly schedule for the next decade.

But something feels wrong about prioritizing TV schedules over the natural rhythm that's defined Wimbledon since 1919. The 2pm start wasn't just arbitrary – it worked with the British summer light, the flow of the tournament, adn the expectations of fans who've been planning their finals weekend around that timing for generations.

Now? We're essentially gambling that every final will wrap up before the sun sets.

Spoiler alert: they won't all finish in time.

The doubles players are probably thrilled, though. No more waiting around for hours after the singles match ends, wondering if anyone will stick around to watch them play. Now they get the prime afternoon slots while the singles stars take the evening shift.

Still feels like we're fixing a small problem by creating a potentially much bigger one. But hey, at least American tennis fans can enjoy their coffee while watching the finals instead of setting their alarms for 9am.

Progress, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone start playing tennis late and still become a professional?

It is possible to play tennis professionally at an older age, even though it may be more difficult. Success depends on an individual's athletic abilities, work ethic, commitment, and accessing quality coaching and competitive opportunities. Late starters may need to undergo intensive, focused training. Although the road is more difficult, with talent and persistence, it's possible to reach a professional level.

How does mental and psycho-social training affect tennis training?

Mental and psychological training is as paramount as physical training in tennis. The player must be able to control stress, maintain concentration, and manage the emotional highs, and lows, of competition. Common techniques include visualization, goal setting, and mental rehearsals. Working with a sport psychologist can help players develop resilience, learn coping techniques for pressure situations and improve their mental performance to match their physical abilities on the court.

What role does video analysis play in training top tennis players?

Video analysis has become a vital tool for developing and training top tennis athletes. It is a great tool for reviewing technique, tactics and patterns of opponents. The video analysis helps coaches and players analyze strokes to pinpoint areas for improvements and strategize. It also aids in recognizing habits and tendencies that may go unnoticed during the heat of competition, enabling more targeted and efficient practice sessions.

How important are nutrition and diet in training to become an elite tennis player?

Tennis players do not fall short of the requirements for a healthy diet and nutrition. Dietary intake is important for intensive training because it provides energy, facilitates recovery and reduces the risk of injury. Diets for elite athletes usually include a mix of carbohydrates with proteins and fats. They also contain essential vitamins. Maintaining a fluid balance and preventing fatigue is also important.

How can a tennis athlete balance intense training and school?

Balancing academic responsibilities and intense training schedules is a significant challenge for aspiring tennis players. This involves excellent time management and prioritization. It also requires creative scheduling. Online education and flexible academic programs are a great way to accommodate the hectic training and travel schedules that young athletes have. Families, coaches and educational institutions can also play a vital role in helping athletes achieve their athletic goals without compromising their studies.

Statistics

Engaging in structured video analysis sessions has been shown to improve a player's tactical decision-making by approximately 35%.
Approximately 70% of a professional tennis player's training time is devoted to developing technique and on-court strategies.
Nutritionists report that a tennis player's diet should consist of about 55-60% carbohydrates, 15-20% protein, and 20-25% fats during intense training periods.
Research indicates that junior tennis players who compete in international tournaments gain significant psychological advantage and experience, with participation leading to a 50% better transition into professional rankings.
Top tennis players typically train for 4 to 6 hours per day, divided between on-court practice and fitness training.

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How To

How to Plan Your Nutrition for Tennis Training

Having a nutrition plan for tennis is essential to your recovery and energy levels. Your diet should be rich in complex carbohydrates for sustained energy; integrate foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Include chicken, legumes, and fish as lean sources of protein to assist in muscle repair. Nuts, seeds and avocados are rich in healthy fats that contribute to your overall health. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, with an increased intake before, during, and after practice. To promote muscle recovery, you should prioritize post-training recuperation with a nutritious meal or snack.