If you’re planning your summer around the grass-court season, you’ve probably realized that the tennis schedule for Wimbledon is a bit of a beast to navigate. It isn't just about showing up and seeing your favorite player. Honestly, it’s a meticulously timed machine where tradition often clashes with the chaos of British weather and the physical toll of five-set matches.
The 2026 Championships are officially set to run from Monday, June 29 to Sunday, July 12.
But here’s the thing: most fans look at those dates and assume they can just pick a day and see the best of the best. That is rarely how it works. You have to understand the rhythm of the fortnight. The first week is a beautiful, hectic mess of matches across 18 different courts. By the second week, the grounds get quieter, but the stakes—and the ticket prices—skyrocket.
The Rhythm of the First Week
The opening Monday is always special. By tradition, the defending Gentlemen's Singles champion opens play on Centre Court at 1:30 PM. It’s one of those "hairs on the back of your neck" moments.
For the first two days, you’re looking at 128 men and 128 women being whittled down. Basically, if you want to see the most tennis for your money, these are the days to go. You’ll see top-ten players on Court 12 or Court 18, just a few feet away from you.
Play generally starts at 11:00 AM on the outside courts.
No.1 Court starts at 1:00 PM.
Centre Court starts at 1:30 PM.
This staggered start is intentional. It allows the crowds to filter in without causing a total bottleneck at the gates, which usually open at 10:00 AM. If you’re clutching a Ground Pass, you’re sprinting for those unreserved seats on Courts 3 through 18 the second the gates swing open.
Middle Sunday and the Round of 16
People still talk about "Middle Sunday" as a rest day, but that’s old news. Since 2022, Wimbledon has moved to a permanent 14-day schedule. No more "Manic Monday."
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Instead, the fourth-round matches—the ones that determine the quarter-finalists—are split across Sunday, July 5 and Monday, July 6. This change was kinda controversial for the traditionalists who liked the "day of rest" for the grass, but for fans, it means more weekend tennis.
The Business End: Semi-Finals and Finals
As we hit the second Thursday, the schedule shifts gears. This is where the tennis schedule for Wimbledon becomes a lot more predictable but much harder to access.
- Thursday, July 9: The Ladies' Singles Semi-Finals take over Centre Court. You’ll also usually see the Mixed Doubles Final on this day.
- Friday, July 10: This is the big one for many—the Gentlemen's Singles Semi-Finals. These matches can easily go five sets, sometimes pushing play under the roof and into the late evening.
- Saturday, July 11: The Ladies' Singles Final starts at 2:00 PM. Later, the Gentlemen's Doubles Final takes place.
- Sunday, July 12: The tournament concludes with the Gentlemen's Singles Final at 2:00 PM, followed by the Ladies' Doubles Final.
A weird quirk that surprises people? The doubles finals often start after the singles finals on the big weekend. If you have a Centre Court ticket for the final Sunday, you aren't just seeing the men's final; you're staying for the doubles trophy ceremony too.
What About the "Order of Play"?
One thing you need to know: the actual "Order of Play"—which specific player is on which court—is only released the evening before.
The All England Club officials and the Referee meet every afternoon to look at the results and decide who gets the "show court" treatment. You won't know if Carlos Alcaraz or Iga Świątek is playing at 1:30 PM on Centre or 1:00 PM on Court 1 until about 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM the night before.
Surviving the Queue
If you don't have a ticket yet, the Queue is your only hope for a "on the day" ticket at face value. It’s located in Wimbledon Park.
For the big show courts, people literally camp out for two nights. If you just want a Ground Pass to soak up the atmosphere and watch the big screen on "The Hill" (formerly Henman Hill/Murray Mound), arriving at 5:00 AM on the day of play is usually enough. But honestly? Even that's getting risky as the tournament's popularity grows.
Prices for 2026 are expected to start around £33 for a Ground Pass in the first week, tapering off as the number of active courts decreases in the second week.
Essential Planning Steps
To make the most of the tennis schedule for Wimbledon, follow these practical steps:
- Check the Weather: Use the BBC Weather app specifically for the "SW19" postcode. Even with roofs on Centre and No.1, rain stops play on all other 16 courts.
- Download the Wimbledon App: This is where the official Order of Play is updated first. Enable notifications for your favorite players so you don't miss their court assignment.
- Mind the Curfew: Wimbledon has a strict 11:00 PM curfew. If a match is a marathon and hits that time, it’s suspended until the next day, which can throw the entire next day's schedule into a loop.
- Travel Light: Security is intense. One bag per person, maximum 40cm x 30cm x 30cm. Don't be the person holding up the line with a giant suitcase.
Wimbledon is a test of endurance—not just for the players, but for the fans too. Whether you're watching from the sofa or standing in the Queue at 4:00 AM, knowing exactly when the balls start flying is the only way to keep your sanity during the greatest fortnight in sport.