LONDON — The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) has reached a definitive decision regarding the scheduling of its marquee matches on Centre Court, following a public plea from British star Emma Raducanu. The club has confirmed it will not be adopting the US Open’s late-night session model, opting instead to maintain its traditional, family-friendly scheduling ethos.
The debate was ignited after Raducanu’s first-round victory at Wimbledon 2024, which concluded just after 8:30 PM local time. In her post-match press conference, the 2021 US Open champion expressed her strong preference for earlier finishes, stating she would be “so against” matches running into the early hours of the morning, a common occurrence at the hard-court Grand Slam in New York.
Raducanu's Plea for Player Welfare
Raducanu’s comments brought a prominent player’s perspective to a long-standing discussion about the physical and mental toll of the modern tennis tour. Her plea was rooted in personal experience and a clear concern for athlete well-being. She articulated the significant disruption caused by extreme late finishes, which can leave players physically depleted and mentally scrambled for their next match.
Her verdict was unequivocal: "I think that for the health and safety of the players, it would be in the sport's best interest to try to avoid those matches finishing at 2, 3:00 in the morning. I definitely think for me, a match like that, I would be so against it. I think that it just destroys your routine."
Raducanu went on to detail the cascading effects of a late finish, highlighting the immediate and long-term challenges it creates. The issues she raised include:
- Recovery Disruption: The inability to properly cool down, refuel, and get adequate sleep.
- Mental Drain: The heightened adrenaline and inability to "switch off" after a high-stakes match.
- Schedule Chaos: The knock-on effect of pushing subsequent practice times and preparation for the next round.
Wimbledon's Firm and Traditional Stance
In response to these comments and the broader conversation, Wimbledon organizers have firmly backed their current scheduling system. A spokesperson for the AELTC emphasized that the tournament’s identity is intrinsically linked to its respect for tradition and its consideration for spectators, local residents, and players alike. The 11 PM curfew, a condition of the tournament’s license, is a key factor in this policy.
The spokesperson stated: "Our scheduling has always been designed with a focus on providing a premium experience for all, while respecting our local community and the well-being of our players. The 11 PM finish is a cornerstone of this. While we continuously review all aspects of the Championships, we believe our current model, which aims to conclude play at a reasonable hour, aligns with the values of Wimbledon and the best interests of the sport."
This stance directly contrasts with the US Open, which has faced significant criticism in recent years for matches that extend past 2:00 AM. The most infamous example was Carlos Alcaraz’s quarter-final victory over Jannik Sinner in 2022, which concluded at 2:50 AM, the latest finish in the tournament’s history. These events have sparked intense debate about player safety and the commercial pressures driving prime-time television slots.
The Broader Tour Scheduling Debate
Raducanu’s comments and Wimbledon’s subsequent decision have amplified a conversation that is gaining traction across the sport. The WTA and ATP tours are increasingly aware of player concerns regarding scheduling, travel, and overall workload. The issue is not confined to Grand Slams; numerous ATP and WTA 1000 events have also been criticized for late finishes that compromise recovery.
Other players have echoed Raducanu’s sentiments. World No. 1 Iga Świątek has been a vocal advocate for protecting players from excessively late matches, calling for more regulations. After a late finish in Rome, she remarked, "It’s not fun to play at 2am… For sure we should take care of the players’ health and safety."
The tennis calendar is notoriously grueling, and the cumulative effect of travel, time zone changes, and match play is a primary concern for player unions. The discussion now centers on finding a balance between global broadcast demands, ticket-selling night sessions, and the fundamental physical limits of the athletes.
Conclusion: Tradition Over Late-Night Spectacle
Wimbledon’s decision to reject the US Open’s model is a clear statement of its priorities. While the New York tournament embraces the spectacle of late-night drama under the lights, the Championships at Wimbledon are doubling down on their heritage of order, decorum, and a holistic consideration for everyone involved.
By siding with Raducanu’s perspective, the AELTC has positioned itself as a leader in the push for player welfare. The club’s refusal to extend play into the early hours, even at the potential cost of peak television ratings in certain time zones, reinforces its unique brand identity within the world of professional sports.
Ultimately, the plea from a homegrown star like Emma Raducanu provided the perfect catalyst for Wimbledon to publicly affirm its values. The message is clear: at SW19, the well-being of the players and the preservation of tradition will consistently win out over the allure of late-night television drama.