This year’s men’s final in Wimbledon starts less than two hours before the final of the World Cup in Russia. While many suggest a postponement to the organizers, the CEO of the All England Tennis Club remains stubborn.
“We agreed on a final at two o’clock in the afternoon, and we’re sticking to that decision,” Wimbledon boss Richard Lewis said in an interview with the Times. “This is our tradition, and we’re sticking to it.”
In the past it could be clearly seen that also in England the ratings at World Cup finals are higher than for a Wimbledon final. Therefore, the organisers of the classic turf event would have to reckon with damage.
According to Lewis, however, the decision-making committee had not discussed for more than 25 seconds until the schedule was set at 2 pm.
“If we changed it now, you’d start wondering what other events you’re considering it for. Are we talking about the World Championships in Athletics?” Lewis said. “It was out of the question.”
At 4 p.m. the final of the 21st World Cup will take place in Moscow. The gentlemen would thus have less than two hours to know the fullest attention of the sports enthusiasts on their side. Lewis threw in: “We may be done again at four o’clock.”