Wimbledon adjusts finals schedule to boost global viewership
- Wimbledon has changed the traditional finals weekend schedule for 2025.
- This year's matches will start at 1 PM BST instead of the usual 2 PM, with the men’s doubles final taking place before the women’s final.
- The changes aim to enhance global viewership and player experience during the finals.
In 2025, the All England Club introduced significant changes to the schedule for the Wimbledon finals weekend, altering a long-standing tradition. Traditionally, the women's singles final was held on Saturday and the men's singles final on Sunday, with both matches starting at 2 PM BST. However, this year, the order of play was revamped, commencing on Saturday at 1 PM with the men's doubles final preceding the women's singles final at 4 PM. Similarly, Sunday’s matches began with the women's doubles final at 1 PM, leading into the men’s final at 4 PM. Sally Bolton, the chief executive of the All England Club, explained that the revisions were made to enhance the experience for players and spectators alike, with the objective of attracting the largest possible worldwide audience. With the singles final now starting at 11 AM EST in New York, the new timings were designed to cater to international fans, potentially expanding the tournament’s viewership significantly. Bolton mentioned that this approach would provide greater scheduling certainty for doubles players while keeping fans engaged throughout the day leading up to the singles finals. The decision to modify the schedule stemmed from previous concerns regarding audience turnout during the doubles finals, as the show courts often experienced a decline in attendance after the singles matches concluded. By changing the order and timings of the matches, the All England Club hopes to create a more vibrant atmosphere, with greater attendance during all events of the finals weekend. Fans have responded positively to this shift, appreciating the initiative to improve the overall experience of live events at Wimbledon. The changes at Wimbledon in 2025 reflect a broader trend of sporting events adapting their schedules to meet the viewing habits of a global audience. As many sports leagues strive to engage fans both on-site and through broadcast, Wimbledon’s decision points towards a future where tradition may take a backseat to modern-day demands for accessibility and inclusivity in sports.