Andy Murray has just won his second round match in Wimbledon this year but going forwards, the Scot and his tennis rivals could have a bigger break between competitions (the French Open and Wimbledon) if plans go ahead to move the grass tournament.
There are few summer traditions in Britain but Wimbledon is certainly one of them. Organisers don’t care much for tradition though and spectators may well be looking at future Wimbledon events being moved.
The championships at the All England Club in South-West London have been contested annually since 1877, and are always embedded in our summer for two weeks in the last week of June and the first week of July. The last time Wimbledon started in July was in 1896. Although nothing has been confirmed, motions are being discussed to move the tournament. Don’t worry yet, if it happens, nothing will happen before 2014 and it may only be moved back a week but a club source says, ”It is being discussed. It could happen.”
One reason for the move is that it will make Wimbledon the stand out sporting event of the summer. Because of this, it will make the tournament more appealing in the prospect of landing better and more lucrative TV deals.
Currently this year, the first week clashes with the last week of Euro 2012. Every two years there is a similar clash with either the World Cup or European Championships. The final of the men’s event is also the same day as the Formula 1 British Grand Prix whereas if Wimbledon started as little as a week later, the Grand Prix would happen on the tournament’s middle Sunday, a rest day at the tennis.
For the players, it could be a good move as it’ll lengthen the amount of time between competing in the French Open and Wimbledon while it will also extend the grass court season, and possibly open up new grass court events across Britain.
At the moment, clashing sports events are great to have on TV for those who don’t like certain sports but like others whereas for all round sports lovers, the move will be a dream come true – an opportunity to watch every single major sporting event on their TV.
Personally, Wimbledon is the only sporting event I watch (on TV) religiously every year. A few years ago I was gutted to be at a wedding and miss Rafael Nadal finally beat Roger Federer at the event and a couple of years ago I got up at 7am to watch the final on my computer (the stream froze at match point and I missed it but we won’t go there) from my holiday room in Florida. In fact, tennis is the only sport I watch on TV so it doesn’t bother me TV wise if they move it. Yes it’s tradition but what difference does a week make?
The fact that it benefits the players is also a huge plus. They go from the French Open on clay to Wimbledon on grass within a matter of weeks.
Wimbledon is on BBC1 and BBC2 now until July 8th.
As always, let us know your thoughts and opinions.
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