Wimbledon’s 11pm curfew is under renewed fire as Andy Murray urges later start times to avoid suspended matches. Betting angle: schedule shifts would reduce late-night match suspensions, making in-play markets more reliable and shortening favourites’ odds; punters should avoid late-evening result bets or factor possible suspensions into stake sizing.
Murray pushes for Wimbledon timetable overhaul after late-night stoppages
Andy Murray has once again called for Wimbledon to rethink its scheduling after high-profile matches were halted by the tournament’s 11pm curfew. The plea follows a late-evening suspension involving Novak Djokovic and earlier instances when matches on Centre Court were stopped close to the nightly deadline.
Historic curfew and Centre Court stoppages
The 11pm curfew has been attached to Centre Court since the roof was introduced in 2009, a condition tied to local planning rules. There was only a minor extension once in 2012, and the rule has remained largely unchanged despite repeated clashes with contemporary scheduling demands and extended matches under the roof.
Recent incidents reignite debate
Two years ago, Djokovic held a commanding lead over Hubert Hurkacz when play was suspended due to the curfew. Andy Murray suffered a similar fate in a later match against Stefanos Tsitsipas, when play was halted shortly after he had edged ahead. Those interruptions sparked boos from the crowd and frustration from players forced to stop mid-battle.
Murray’s stance and player reaction
Murray has publicly advocated moving match start times back by at least an hour to reduce the likelihood of suspensions. His brother Jamie added light-heartedly: "Another night. Confirmed." Murray has acknowledged that umpires sometimes make the only practical decision when there isn’t enough time to finish a set, but he argues the system needs to change to protect match integrity.
What this means for players and scheduling
A shift to later starts would aim to ensure decisive sets finish the same evening, limit momentum-ruining suspensions and reduce overnight carryovers. Tournament organisers face the challenge of balancing tradition, local rules and the demands of modern broadcasting.
Implications for fans and betting markets
Fans may see fewer abrupt halts and more full-night finishes if timetables move later. For bettors, that potential shift affects live markets: fewer late-night suspensions would make in-play outcomes more predictable and could shorten odds on favourites to close out matches the same day. Punters should remain cautious on late-evening result bets until any scheduling changes are confirmed.
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Andy Murray aired his thoughts after Novak Djokovic's match at Wimbledon was halted.
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