Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has called for a significant change to the scheduling at Wimbledon following her recent practice sessions with men's world number three, Carlos Alcaraz. The British star, who is preparing for her home Grand Slam after a series of injuries, believes the All England Club should consider moving to a night session format to enhance the spectacle and accommodate players and fans alike.
Raducanu, who received a wildcard entry into this year's Championships, has been training at the All England Club and was spotted sharing the court with the defending Wimbledon champion. The link-up, which was reportedly initiated by mutual coaches, provided a unique opportunity for Raducanu to experience the pace and power of the men's game firsthand. "It was incredible to hit with Carlos," Raducanu was quoted as saying. "His intensity and the way he strikes the ball is just different."
The Case for Night Sessions at SW19
The primary change Raducanu is advocating for is the introduction of official night sessions on Centre Court. Unlike the other three Grand Slams—Australian Open, Roland Garros, and the US Open—Wimbledon has traditionally concluded play in the early evening, largely due to local curfews and a lack of permanent floodlighting on its two main show courts. However, with the roof on Centre Court and No. 1 Court now equipped with lighting, the infrastructure is in place for a radical shift.
Raducanu argues that night sessions would create a more electric atmosphere and solve persistent scheduling issues caused by rain delays. "We've seen how amazing the night sessions are at the US Open and in Australia," she stated. "The crowd is louder, the energy is completely different, and it creates these iconic moments that everyone remembers. Wimbledon has the roof, so why not use it to its full potential?"
Learning from the Alcaraz Blueprint
Her practice with Carlos Alcaraz seems to have solidified her opinion. The Spanish phenom is renowned for his explosive, aggressive style—a product of growing up in an era where powerful baseline play dominates. Raducanu noted that adapting to his pace was a challenge, but one that highlighted the need for players to constantly evolve. This experience has led her to believe that Wimbledon itself must also evolve to keep pace with the modern game and its global audience.
She pointed to several key benefits a night session would bring to The Championships:
- Global Audience: Matches starting later in the UK would be primetime television in key markets like North America and Asia, dramatically increasing viewership.
- Player Welfare: It would allow for more flexible scheduling, preventing players from having to compete on consecutive days if weather interrupts play.
- Spectator Experience: Fans with day jobs would have a better chance of attending a marquee match, and the atmosphere under the lights would be unparalleled.
Tradition vs. Modernization
The All England Club is famously steeped in tradition, and any proposed change is often met with resistance. The tournament's strict all-white dress code, its royal patronage, and its grass courts are hallmarks of its identity. The absence of night play has long been part of that identity. However, Raducanu believes that modernization is necessary for the sport's growth. "I love the traditions of Wimbledon, but the world is changing," she remarked. "Adding night sessions wouldn't take away from that; it would add a new, exciting layer to it."
The Logistical Hurdles
Despite the available infrastructure, significant hurdles remain. The tournament operates under an 11 PM curfew as part of its agreement with the London Borough of Merton to minimize disruption to local residents. This curfew has famously cut short matches in the past, most notably when Andy Murray's fourth-round match against Stefanos Tsitsipas was suspended at 10:40 PM last year. For a meaningful night session to work, matches would likely need to begin no later than 6 PM, which may only allow for one full match per session.
A Wimbledon spokesperson, when asked for comment, reiterated the tournament's current position: "We are constantly reviewing all aspects of The Championships. While the roof on Centre Court does allow us to extend play, we must balance innovation with respect for our local community and the unique traditions of Wimbledon."
A Unifying Voice Among Players
Raducanu is not alone in her desire for change. Other players on tour have previously expressed envy at the atmosphere created at other Slams during night matches. The US Open's Arthur Ashe Stadium and the Australian Open's Rod Laver Arena are known for their raucous evening crowds, which often will their favourite players to victory. This shift is seen by many as the next logical step for Wimbledon to cement its status as a forward-thinking event while honouring its storied past.
The debate also touches on commercial opportunities. Night sessions are a tremendous revenue driver through ticket sales, premium hospitality packages, and extended broadcast deals. For a tournament that prides itself on being the pinnacle of the sport, maximizing its commercial potential is key to increasing prize money and investing in the future of tennis, from the grassroots level up.
Conclusion: A New Wimbledon Era?
Emma Raducanu's call for night tennis at Wimbledon is more than just a suggestion; it's a reflection of a new generation of players who are thinking about the sport's global appeal and future. Her collaboration with Carlos Alcaraz, a symbol of tennis's exciting new era, seems to have inspired a vision for a more dynamic and accessible Wimbledon. While tradition and local agreements present real challenges, the momentum for change is building.
As Raducanu prepares to walk onto the hallowed grass courts this summer, she does so with an eye on the future. "I hope to one day play a match under the lights on Centre Court," she said with a smile. "I think it would be absolutely magical. It's time for Wimbledon to create its own magic at night." Whether the All England Club heeds her call remains to be seen, but the conversation has undoubtedly been served.