Wimbledon is changing. If you’re planning to tune in for the trophy lift at SW19 this summer, don't rely on your memory of how things used to be. For decades, the rhythm of the final weekend was as predictable as strawberries and cream: you’d settle in at 2:00 PM BST, the players would walk out, and the most prestigious matches in tennis would begin. Not anymore.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has officially moved the Wimbledon 2025 finals time to a later slot. This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a massive shift designed to satisfy a global audience that’s increasingly watching from the other side of the Atlantic.
The New Weekend Rhythm: Saturday and Sunday Timings
So, what’s the actual deal? Basically, the singles finals on both Saturday, July 12, and Sunday, July 13, are scheduled to start at 4:00 PM local time (BST).
If you are watching from the United States, that’s 11:00 AM ET or 8:00 AM PT. In the past, fans on the West Coast had to be up before dawn to catch the opening serve. Now, you can actually have a coffee and a bagel before the first ace is hit.
Saturday, July 12: Ladies’ Singles Final
Traditionally, the Ladies' Final was the main event of the afternoon, starting at 2:00 PM. In 2025, the Gentlemen’s Doubles Final will actually open the show on Centre Court at 1:00 PM. Once that match concludes—or at 4:00 PM, whichever is later—the women will take the stage.
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Sunday, July 13: Gentlemen’s Singles Final
The same logic applies to the big one on Sunday. The Ladies’ Doubles Final will kick things off at 1:00 PM. Then, the Wimbledon 2025 finals time for the men’s singles is locked in for 4:00 PM BST.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a gamble. While it helps the American broadcast window on ESPN and ABC, it pushes the end of the matches much closer to the evening. If we get a five-set marathon like the Alcaraz vs. Djokovic epic in 2023, the light might be fading by the time the trophy is handed over. Fortunately, the roof on Centre Court means we won't have a total washout, but the "daylight" atmosphere of a Wimbledon final is definitely going to feel different.
Why the Change? It’s All About the Global Eye
The AELTC didn't just wake up and decide to sleep in. This move is a calculated response to the "Hill in New York" era of tennis.
Organizers have been very open about the fact that they want to maximize viewership in North and South America. By moving the start time back two hours, they hit a "sweet spot" where European viewers are still in their prime evening slots, while American viewers are just starting their day.
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It’s a bit of a bummer for traditionalists who liked the 2:00 PM start, but money talks. Higher TV ratings in the US mean more valuable broadcast rights, which translates to the record-breaking £53,550,000 prize pot we're seeing this year.
Where to Watch the Drama Unfold
If you aren't lucky enough to have a debenture or a ticket from the queue, you'll be glued to a screen. In the UK, the BBC remains the home of the tournament, though there's been plenty of chatter about the All England Club demanding a "fresher" presentation style for future deals. You'll find the finals on BBC One and iPlayer.
Over in the US, ESPN is your primary destination, with the finals often simulcast or replayed on ABC for the "big network" feel.
What to Watch Out For
The 2025 edition feels like a true passing of the torch. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are the names on everyone’s lips. Alcaraz, the defending champ, has that incredible flair on grass, but Sinner’s clinical power has made him the man to beat on the ATP tour.
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On the women’s side, the field is wide open. We've seen Iga Świątek finally start to decode the grass-court puzzle, but players like Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are always a threat when the ball is skidding low and fast.
Actionable Tips for Final Weekend
- Adjust your clocks: If you’re used to the 2:00 PM start, set an alert for 4:00 PM (London time).
- Double-check the doubles: If you want to see the doubles finals, you need to be tuned in by 1:00 PM. They are no longer the "afterthought" matches played late in the evening.
- Check the weather: If the roof is closed due to rain, the court plays slower and the indoor acoustics make the crowd twice as loud. It completely changes the vibe of the match.
- Follow the "Order of Play": The official Wimbledon app releases the definitive schedule the evening before. Always check it around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM to see if there are any last-minute court changes.
Wimbledon is a tournament of tradition, but even the oldest institutions have to evolve. Moving the Wimbledon 2025 finals time is a clear sign that the All England Club is looking toward a digital, global future rather than just sticking to the way things were done in the 1920s. Get your snacks ready; it’s going to be a late one.
Your Next Steps
Mark your calendar for July 12-13, 2025, and ensure your streaming subscriptions (BBC iPlayer in the UK or ESPN+ in the US) are active a week prior to avoid last-minute technical hurdles. If you are planning a viewing party, aim for a late-afternoon tea in London or a late brunch in New York to align with the new 4:00 PM BST start.