Why Is Wimbledon Final At 4pm

Ever wondered why the Wimbledon final kicks off at 2pm, while the rest of the world is still sipping their morning coffee? It's not just a quaint British tradition, there's a fascinating story behind it.

When in Rome...

Let's rewind to the late 19th century when Wimbledon was in its infancy. Back then, the tournament was held in the summer months, and the final was scheduled for a weekday. But here's the catch - the All England Club, where Wimbledon is held, had a strict curfew. Play had to stop at 9pm sharp, regardless of whether the match was finished or not. This was to respect the neighbors and maintain the club's good standing in the community.

Now, you might think, "Why not just start earlier?" Well, that's where the British weather comes in. In those days, the courts were grass, and morning dew could make them too slippery to play on. So, the final was scheduled to start at 3:30pm, giving the sun enough time to dry out the courts.

But here's where it gets interesting. The curfew remained, even as the tournament grew in popularity and the final was moved to a weekend. So, the final was still starting at 3:30pm, but now, it was running into the curfew. Spectators would often find themselves watching the climax of the match from the stands, while players were sent off the court to wait out the clock.

Enter the Royal Box

In 1922, King George V and Queen Mary graced the Royal Box with their presence for the final. But alas, the curfew struck, and the match had to be suspended. The King, not amused by this interruption, is said to have remarked, "Surely something can be done about this?"

ウィンブルドン決勝テレビ – 男子シングルス決勝 「J・シナー×C・アルカラス」 – RZRTCW

And something was done. The following year, the start time was pushed back to 3:45pm to give the match a better chance of finishing before the curfew. But even this wasn't enough. In 1939, the final started at 4pm, and this time, it stuck.

Modern Times, Ancient Traditions

Today, Wimbledon is a global event, broadcast live to millions around the world. The Centre Court is equipped with a retractable roof to combat the unpredictable British weather. Yet, the final still starts at 2pm, a throwback to a time when the sun set earlier and the King's word was law.

But why not change it? Well, for one, tradition. Wimbledon is nothing if not traditional. And two, it's a great conversation starter. How many other sporting events can you think of where the start time is dictated by a curfew that's over a century old?

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Practical Tips for Enjoying Wimbledon

So, you've got the history, now let's get practical. If you're planning to watch the final this year, here are a few tips:

• Plan Ahead: Make sure you've got your snacks and drinks sorted. You don't want to miss a point while you're rummaging through the fridge.
• Dress for the Weather: British summer can be unpredictable. One minute it's sunny, the next it's raining. So, layer up.
• Know Your Rules: Wimbledon has its own set of rules. For instance, players change ends after every odd game in the first set and after every two games in the rest of the set. It's a bit different from other Grand Slams.

Reflecting on Timeless Traditions

As we sit down to watch the Wimbledon final this year, let's take a moment to appreciate the history behind that 2pm start time. In a world that's constantly evolving, it's comforting to know that some things remain unchanged. It's a reminder that traditions, like the best tennis players, stand the test of time.

So, whether you're a tennis fanatic or just tuning in for the Pimm's and strawberries, enjoy the final. After all, it's not every day you get to witness a piece of history in the making. Just remember to keep an eye on the clock. You don't want to miss the last serve because of a curfew that's older than your grandparents.