How long does it take to close the roof on Centre Court at Wimbledon?
Tennis fans have been left frustrated by delays on Centre Court and No.1 Court despite their high-tech roofs.
The current heatwave may not feel like prime conditions for a downpour, but the unpredictable British weather remains a key topic of discussion at Wimbledon: you are never safe from the great British weather. Wimbledon has adapted to the times, now equipped with retractable roofs over Centre Court and No. 1 Court, ensuring continuous play regardless of Weather interruptions. But with all the talk about the ‘wettest’ summer on record, one question remains crucial—how quickly can these roofs close to shield the courts from rain and allow play to resume swiftly? RadioTimes.com dives into the details of Wimbledon's retractable roofs, exploring which courts are covered and the mechanics of how long it takes for them to close. Which courts at Wimbledon have a roof? Only two courts at Wimbledon have retractable roofs to avoid rain stopping play. The first one is at Centre Court, which was first used in a match at the tournament in 2009 after rain interrupted the match between Dinara Safina and Amelie Mauresmo. The second roof over No.1 Court was used for the first time in 2009. How long does it take to close the roof on Centre Court? The roof takes about 10 minutes to close, but more time is required to ensure the conditions inside the area are suitable for play, meaning the match often cannot resume immediately. The break to close the roof takes approximately half an hour. This was the case at Wimbledon 2023, with tennis fans left frustrated by delays on Centre Court and No.1 Court despite their high-tech roofs. After Novak Djokovic’s opening match on Centre Court was delayed for 80 minutes on the tournament's first day, Wimbledon organisers defended their Centre Court roof policy in a statement and said that player safety was always the priority in such circumstances. "Every care is taken by the Championships Referee when checking the courts are fit for play following a rain delay, as player safety is our top priority," the statement said. "In this instance, Centre Court took longer to dry than anticipated. Furthermore, given indications that the rain was due to stop imminently, the decision was taken to resume play with the roof open. "The players were regularly updated during this time." Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
How long will the queue be for Wimbledon? Peak times for waiting
Wimbledon 2025 is up and running in the middle of a heatwave, and if you haven't secured a coveted court-side ticket in the public ballot, you might be gearing up for the famous Wimbledon queue. With the tournament set to get underway, the excitement is palpable as it’s out with old and in with the new as SW19 begins without Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray, with stars such as Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Coco Gauff taking centre stage. The Wimbledon queue is a tradition as iconic as strawberries and cream, and it's a true test of patience and dedication. After all, where else would you find people queuing up for hours just for the chance to see a tennis match? They say the British love a good queue, and Wimbledon is the perfect place to put that to the test! If you're planning to join the ranks of those waiting in line, wondering how long it’ll take to enter the grounds, RadioTimes.com has got you covered. Read on for everything you need to know about queuing for Wimbledon 2025. How long will the queue be for Wimbledon? Peak times for waiting It’s impossible to say how long it will take to queue to enter Wimbledon, but fans can expect to be queuing for hours to enter the grounds. However, if you’re happy to miss the big matches that normally kick off around midday, the best option is to turn up later in the afternoon. Your most likely route to entry is by joining the queue after 4pm for later entry, at which point the queue should be moving faster. Popular X account ViewFromTheQ reposts images from people in the queue at any given moment, offering an indication of how long the wait could be at any given moment. Many tennis fans join the queue the previous day and camp in line overnight to secure a spot when the grounds open the next morning, meaning those who enter the line in the morning often have to wait well into the afternoon to reach the front of the line. The first week of the 2023 queue was hit with massive delays, with over 532,651 fans attending the Championships according to the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) - the highest attendance in tournament history. In 2023, the AELTC confirmed that the queue on Day 3 was bigger in comparison with Day 2, warning there were more than 8,000 people in the queue by 8:30am. Organisers warned Tennis fans on Twitter that newcomers would probably have to wait “several hours” for entry and that the grounds are set to be at capacity. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Longest tennis matches of all time ranked
Where were you during John Isner versus Nicolas Mahut?
Tennis is a sport of endurance, with long rallies, epic sets, and marathon matches that push players to their physical and emotional limits. The court becomes a gruelling arena where athletes are isolated for hours, locked in relentless one-on-one duels that test their resilience and determination, and even their bladders. Many players have experienced the heartbreak of losing monumental matches after battling fiercely for hours, only to see victory slip away in a matter of seconds. Such is the nature of tennis. RadioTimes.com delves into the history books to uncover the longest matches ever played in tennis, showcasing the sport's most epic endurance tests. What is the longest tennis match of all time? 11 hours, 5 minutes John Isner def. Nicolas Mahut 2010 Wimbledon Round 1: 6-4 3-6 6-7 7-6 70-68 4 hours and 22 minutes goes down as an extremely long tennis match regardless, but that time does not mark the longest match ever, only the difference between the first and second longest singles matches in the history of tennis. A first round encounter at Wimbledon in 2010 saw an American and a Frenchman make a piece of sporting history that will almost certainly never be surpassed. Beginning on 22nd June, the now fabled Court 18 at the All-England Club hosted a three-day epic that ended on 24th June. Big-serving American John Isner (No.23 seed) defeated French qualifier Nicolas Mahut in an unprecedented event lasting an astonishing 183 games. The match mesmerised spectators, players, fans, and even the scoreboard, which was only programmed to go to 50-50. In total, the match took 11 hours and 5 minutes, with history being shattered almost every time one of the gladiators on court held their serve. Finally, Isner converted his fifth match point (four of which came the previous day) to send both players into an exhausted embrace at the net. Each player was presented with a crystal bowl following the match to recognise their immense achievement, and fans who visit Court 18 can now see a special plaque commemorating the match. Isner was handily beaten in the next round, but the pair would meet on the same court in the same round a year later in a far more conventional affair. The match would have a lasting impact on the sport, with its existence being a key factor in all Grand Slams now operating with a final set tie-break, meaning we will never see its like again. Longest tennis matches of all time 11 hours, 5 minutes – John Isner def. Nicolas Mahut – 2010 Wimbledon R1 - 6-4 3-6 6-7 7-6 70-68 6 hours, 43 minutes – Leonardo Mayer def. João Souza – 2015 Davis Cup R1 - 7-6 7-6 5-7 5-7 15-13 6 hours, 36 minutes – Kevin Anderson def. John Isner – 2018 Wimbledon SF - 7-6 6-7 6-7 6-4 26-24 6 hours, 33 minutes – Fabrice Santoro def. Arnaud Clément – 2004 French Open R1 – 6-4 6-3 6-7 3-6 16-14 6 hours, 31 minutes – Vicki Nelson def. Jean Hepner – 1984 CFB International R1 – 6-4 7-6 Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who has won the most Wimbledon titles? Most successful players ever
Which player holds the all-time record at SW19?
Wimbledon 2025 is upon us – so what better time to cast an eye over the most success players of them all. For the last two years, Novak Djokovic’s quest to match Roger Federer’s eight-title record has ended in a dramatic final loss to Carlos Alcaraz, keeping him at seven championships – but is the game's greatest winner running out of time? Djokovic has long been a formidable force at Wimbledon, his victories underscoring his prowess on grass, but an underwhelming run of form in 2024 and 2025 combined with injury issues are threatening to derail his Championships. Federer, however, remains the gold standard, dominating the tournament from 2003 to 2012 and capturing one last title in 2017 before retiring. As Federer faded, Djokovic rose, assuming the mantle of king of Centre Court. The tournament's legacy is built on repeated triumphs by its greatest players, each adding to the Wimbledon’s rich history. RadioTimes.com invites you to explore the stories of these iconic champions, celebrating the athletes who have left an indelible imprint on one of tennis's most prestigious stages. Who has won the most Wimbledon titles? (Men's singles) Swiss champion Roger Federer has won the most men's singles titles at SW19, lifting the trophy a staggering eight times. His first victory came in 2003, defeating Mark Philippoussis in straight sets. Federer's 2003 triumph was the first in a streak of five straight wins at The Championships. He celebrated his most recent win in 2017, beating Marin Cilic without dropping a set. Pete Sampras is the joint-second most successful male Wimbledon champion in the Open era, with a tally of seven wins, level with Novak Djokovic, and ahead of Bjorn Borg. Despite their status as part of the so-called Big Four, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have only won Wimbledon two times each, the same amount as Carlos Alcaraz scooped by the age of 21. Open Era Wimbledon titles Roger Federer – 8 Novak Djokovic – 7 Pete Sampras – 7 Bjorn Borg – 5 John McEnroe/Boris Becker – 3 For more Wimbledon features, check out: Wimbledon FAQs, facts and figures | How does Wimbledon Hawk-Eye work? Who has won the most Wimbledon titles? (Women's singles) Czech superstar Martina Navratilova has won the most women's singles titles in the Open era, clocking up an impressive nine wins at the All England Club – more than any player in the men's or women's games have been able to achieve before or since. Her first win came in 1978, when Chris Evert took her to three sets, and she claimed her last Wimbledon singles title 12 years later, beating Zina Garrison in straight sets. Steffi Graf and Serena Williams have come close, both of whom have celebrated seven singles championships at SW19. This will be the first Championships without a Williams sister since 1997. Open Era Wimbledon titles Martina Navratilova – 9 Steffi Graf/Serena Williams – 7 Venus Williams – 5 Billie Jean King – 4 Chris Evert – 3 Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Wimbledon 2025 FAQs and facts: Your bizarre, weird and wonderful questions answered
Don't spend another summer wondering what 'love' is or why tennis balls are stored in the fridge – we've got all the answers you need.
Admit it. Wimbledon is the only tennis you watch all year long, and you're feeling a rusty ahead of the 2025 edition. You love it, you guzzle down Wimbledon each summer like the final puddle of double cream in your strawberry bowl, only... it just keeps raising more questions. No, we're not delving into the potential record-breaking feat of Novak Djokovic or the nostalgic absence of Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Instead, we’re diving into the curious world of Wimbledon oddities: ever wondered why players strictly adhere to an all-white dress code, or why 27,000 kilograms of strawberries are consumed each year? And what's with that peculiar pineapple perched atop the trophy? This year, RadioTimes.com is your guide to these delightful mysteries. Buckle up as we unravel the eccentricities of Wimbledon 2025, ensuring you're the trivia champion of your next tennis watch party. Can Wimbledon players go to the toilet during a match? Wimbledon rules permit players to "request permission to leave the court for a reasonable time for a toilet break", but this must be taken during a set break and cannot be used for any other purpose. Male and female players are allowed two toilet breaks per match, while doubles teams must share their allocated number of breaks. The rulebook also states "the nearest assigned bathroom should be used" and that a line judge must accompany the player to ensure they "do not use the break for any other purpose". Why are Wimbledon tennis balls kept in the fridge? Don't you hate it when you're searching for that jar of mayo at the back of the fridge and you can't see past the Wimbledon tennis balls spilling out? Throughout history, fridges have been deployed at the side of courts to maintain the consistency of bounce in every ball while they're waiting to be used. The 53,000 balls used at the tournament will be kept at 20 degrees until it's their time to shine. How loudly do Wimbledon players grunt? Maria Sharapova would commonly tip over 100 decibels on court, while Monica Seles and Jimmy Connors were the earliest known pioneers of 'The Grunt'. How much will strawberries and cream cost at Wimbledon? A portion of 10 strawberries (minimum) and a lashing of cream will set you back £2.50 at the Championships, a price that has been frozen for the last 13 years. Take that, inflation! The strawberries are always Grade 1 from farms in Kent, and they are picked at 4:00am on the day they are sold and scoffed at Wimbledon. More than 166,000 portions were sold during the two-week 2018 tournament – but wait, why are we eating them at Wimbledon? Why do people eat strawberries and cream at Wimbledon? The delicious snack was served to 200 punters at the 1877 Championships and the tradition is still going strong more than 140 years later. But the origin story of strawberries and cream allegedly dates back to 1509, when Thomas Wolsey – a powerful figure around the time of King Henry XIII – served up the treat to guests at a banquet. Wolsey's own palace also boasted tennis courts, where staff would be deployed to bring strawberries and cream to guests. A simple luxury fit for a king. What length is the grass on Centre Court? The first cut in preparation for the Championships shaves the lawn down to 25mm, before the winter sees another reduction down to around 13mm. However, this figure can only be reached without trimming off more than a third of the original length at a time, to avoid weakening the individual grass blades. The surfaces are then cut by 1mm per week from approximately nine weeks before the tournament, down to the optimum playing height of 8mm. In the four weeks leading up to the tournament, the grass is mowed every day to ensure the 8mm length is adhered to. Think about that next time you mow the lawn! Can I play on Centre Court? No. Sorry. Do ball boys and girls get paid? In 2015, the going rate for two weeks work at the tournament was £200 per ball boy or girl, and they were also allowed to keep the snazzy Ralph Lauren tennis uniforms worn during the Championships. Local school headmasters are asked to select their best and brightest, and 700 applicants are narrowed down to around 250 hard-working, unsung heroes. Why do players wear white at Wimbledon? The original reason for cracking out the tennis whites was to prevent sweat patches prominently showing through – a disaster for the social elite types back in the day. The tradition stuck and a fresh set of rules in 2014 stated that only "a single trim of colour" no wider than 10mm is allowed on the neckline, sleeves or even underwear. This is a rule the All England Club takes seriously – Roger Federer's trainers were banned from the tournament in 2013 because the soles were orange. Are tennis balls yellow or green? When it comes to the colour of tennis balls, we're inclined to fall in line with whatever Roger Federer thinks. "They're yellow, right?" said Federer in 2018. Who are we to argue? How long does it take to close the Centre Court roof? The roof itself is a speedy mover, switching from open to closed (and vice versa) in just 10 minutes. However, a 45-minute stoppage may be required while the air-conditioning system acclimatises the arena to become an indoor venue. What is inside a tennis ball? A kinder egg toy? Strawberries and cream? Pimm's? A total vacuum? A wormhole? Nah, it's just air inside a tennis ball. Or nitrogen, for those who want to inflate tennis balls for longer. What TFL zone is Wimbledon in? Wimbledon sits in Zone 3. More than 12 million people pile through the barriers each year, with many heading to The Championships. Why is there a pineapple on top of the Wimbledon trophy? You've never noticed before, have you? Legitimately, nobody really knows. In 2017, a spokesperson for the Wimbledon Museum told Express.co.uk that the origin story of the immortalised golden fruit contains “very few facts”, though one reasonable explanation is that pineapples were once a rarity, a sign of honour and wealth in society. What is love? Haddaway didn't know the answer back in 1993 and almost three decades later we're still struggling to find the answer... View oEmbed on the source website When a player doesn't have a point in a game, yet their opponent has scored, you'll hear "15-love" despite the scoreboard displaying 15-0. The Oxford Dictionary recognised the phrase 'for love' as "without stakes being wagered" and that could result in 'love' replacing 'zero/nothing'. A French myth suggests love came from l'ouef, the word for egg, and that a zero on the scoreboard resembles an egg. We're not buying it. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
What are tie-breaks in tennis? Wimbledon rules explained
Everything you need to know about tennis tie-breaks.
"Play the big points well" is a common mantra in tennis, emphasising the need for players to be at their best during the most crucial moments. Tie breaks have historically been where some of Tennis’ greatest matches have been decided, making them not only important but a tantalizing spectacle After hours of intense rallies and momentum swings, a match can boil down to just a few key points. These high-stakes scenarios are seen as mini-matches within the match, offering some of the most thrilling moments in the sport. The game’s top players often excel in tie-breaks, showcasing their mental fortitude and clutch performance. Tie-break rules have evolved over the years to keep pace with the changing dynamics of tennis. RadioTimes.com explains how tie-breaks work and why they're becoming even more prominent in Grand Slam tournaments. What is a tie-break in tennis? The formula is simple. A tie-break is a one-off game held to decide the winner of a set when two players are locked at 6-6. This mini match is a simple first-to-seven-points shoot-out, with the winner being the first player to hit that magic number. However, if the players involved in the tie-break are locked at six points apiece, then the tie-break continues until one player achieves a two-point lead to win the tie-break and the set. Why does tennis have tie-breaks? In short, tie-breaks are important to cap the length of a match, but they haven't always been a thing. Cast your mind back to Wimbledon 2010, when the longest match of all time lasted 11 hours and five minutes. It ran over three days, with 138 games occurring in the final set. This match, among others, also led to tennis adopting the tie-break in the final sets of Grand Slams. Up until 2018, a tie-break would only be used during matches and not as a tool to help it conclude in final sets. But that has changed. Final set tie-break rules Tie-breaks that decide matches at Grand Slams follow the same format as traditional tie-breaks but run up to 10 points with the ‘win by two’ rule still in place. This is designed to help both players and fans, by protecting players from long, gruelling encounters during a Grand Slam fortnight and providing more concentrated moments of excitement for fans. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
A serve is arguably a tennis player's greatest weapon and a fundamental element in the arsenal of any elite competitor. The best serves on the tour blend sheer power with razor-sharp precision, creating a formidable advantage. Consider Novak Djokovic, who has spent years refining his serve to achieve pinpoint accuracy, or Serena Williams, renowned as the greatest server in the history of women's tennis. While these serves are technically masterful, possessing one of the fastest serves allows players to dominate, taking the racquet out of their opponent's hand and simplifying the game. In 2025, the race for the fastest serve is heating up. Young American Ben Shelton will be knocking on the door of the men's record, bringing fresh excitement to the court. While on the women's side, Elena Rybakina, Naomi Osaka, and Liudmila Samsonova have smashed their way into the top ten fastest serves, showcasing incredible power and precision. RadioTimes.com delves into the details of these powerful servers, highlighting the biggest and fastest serves ever recorded in both the men's and women's games. How fast is an average tennis serve? The standard speeds for professional players are around 120mph (190-200 km/h) for the men, and 105mph (170-180 km/h) for the women. Those numbers alone, on average across every serve, are enough to put us into a dizzying spin, wondering how any serve is ever returned. What is the fastest tennis serve ever recorded? The quickest serve ever was reportedly hit by giant Australian Sam Groth in Busan, South Korea, in 2012 - with a serve clocking in at a mesmerising 163.7 mph (263.4 km/h). However, this fact is contested. Groth’s serve came during a Challenger event – the step below the ATP Tour – meaning it was tracked using different equipment to Grand Slam games. Instead, former Wimbledon semi-finalist John Isner’s 157.2 mph (253 km/h) serve in 2016 is the official fastest. For more Wimbledon features, check out: Wimbledon FAQs, facts and figures | How does Wimbledon Hawk-Eye work? What is the fastest women's tennis serve ever? Top of the serving tree for the women is relatively unknown Spanish player Georgina García Pérez, who slammed down a 136.7 mph (220 km/h) rocket in Hungary in 2018. The politics of what is and isn’t recognised come into play again here as former Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki holds the official title for her 131 mph (210.8 km/h) effort in 2014. To add context, undeniable GOAT Serena Williams’s fastest serve of her career was 128.3 mph (206.4 km/h). Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Why do tennis players grunt during matches?
Is it a Bird? Is it a Plane? No, it’s the sound of your favourite tennis player in full flight. With another year of Wimbledon underway, a burning question for the armchair tennis fan remains… why do tennis players grunt? Grunting has become a signature element of many players' games, adding both drama and debate to the sport. Maria Sharapova (possibly the game’s most famous grunter) famously reached 101 decibels. But the soundtrack to the worlds most famous racquet sport is not without its controversy, with discussions about its impact always at play, with some arguing it’s not in the spirit of the game, and some legends of the game even going as far as to say it’s cheating. RadioTimes.com explores the history, science, and impact of Tennis grunting, and just why it’s a unique aspect of the game. Why do tennis players grunt? There’s no definitive answer for this, however, there are a few key theories that we explore below: Releasing tension Some of the game's greats put it down to something as simple as releasing all the energy that builds up during a grueling match. One of the game's most famous coaches, Nick Bollettieri, claims grunting allows for a 'psychological and physiological release of tension' and was coincidentally responsible for training three of the game's biggest grunters, including Sharapova. Confusing an opponent The most popular theory is one of gamesmanship. Many think that players are deviously letting out grunts to ensure their opponents can’t hear how hard the ball is being hit, thus slowing down their reaction times. Former Australian Open champion and world number one Caroline Wozniacki backed this theory, stating: "If you grunt loudly your opponent cannot hear how you hit the ball. Because the grunt is so loud, you think the ball is coming fast and suddenly the ball goes slowly." This has caused on and off-court issues across the men’s and women’s game, with several men’s players taking to social media to indirectly fire criticism at some of their competitors. Improving rhythm Some players, both past and present, have argued that grunting is simply another part of the mechanics of hitting a tennis ball. One to watch out for over the next fortnight is two-time grand slam champion Victoria Azarenka, who grunts to synchronise breathing precisely with hitting the ball. More power One (slightly) further-fetched theory is that grunting improves hitting performance for players. A study found that players were found to hit with a 3.8% increase in speed when grunting. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
How many sets in a tennis match? Points, games and sets explained
Your guide to how the tennis scoring system works, as well as how many sets are played in a match.
"How many sets in tennis?" It’s a question that might seem straightforward, but the answer can be as varied as the sport itself. Whether you’re a casual fan or a budding Tennis enthusiast, understanding the nuances of tennis scoring is key to fully appreciating the game. Imagine watching an epic battle at Wimbledon or a fierce showdown at the US Open, only to find yourself wondering: “Just how long is this match going to last?” From the swift two-set clashes to the marathon five-setters, the number of sets can make all the difference in the rhythm and drama of a match. RadioTimes.com serves up all the details, ensuring you’re well-versed in one of the sport’s most fundamental aspects. How many sets are in a tennis match? <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2024/04/GettyImages-1258849930-64f1385-e1719850410483.jpg" width="3620" height="2413" alt="TOPSHOT - Spain's Carlos Alcaraz dives in an attempt to play a return against France's Arthur Rinderknech during their men's single tennis match on Day 4 of the Cinch ATP tennis Championships at Queen's Club in west London, on June 20, 2023. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)" title="TOPSHOT-TENNIS-GBR-ATP-QUEENS" /> The long and short of it is, it depends on the tournament. Throughout the year, both the Men's and Women's tennis tours (The ATP & WTA) play best of three set matches. This means the first to win two sets wins the match and advances on. The sets themselves are a race to win six games (hence why you will see 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 etc on the screen at this year’s Wimbledon). Now, this only changes at tennis's four showpiece events, known as the 'Grand Slams'. These are The Australian Open, The French Open, The US Open, and of course, Wimbledon. At these four 'majors', the format of the Men's game changed to best of five sets (first to win three). These epics can go on for hours and into the early night (check out our rundown of tennis's longest matches ). Women's matches remain at best of three throughout the entire season. However, there are calls to trial out best of five sets at the Grand Slams for Women, something that we’ll surely see sooner rather than later. How does tennis scoring system work? Now you’re clear on matches and sets, and what makes up sets, but how does a player win a match? To win a game, a player needs to win four points. However, this can look confusing as it is scored 0, 15, 30, 40. If two players are tied on 40-40, this is known as deuce. At this stage, the player who wins the next point goes to advantage (A). If they win the next point, they win the game. If they lose the next point, the game returns to deuce until someone wins by two clear points. The origins of the unusual scoring numbers remain a mystery to this day, with sporting historians tracing it back as far as the 16th century (but it’s better to not question it and just run with it). Players who win six games win the set, unless each player wins each of the games during which they served. In this case, at 6-5, another game is player. If the scores are levelled at 6-6, a tie-breaker will commence. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
A situation nobody wants to see in any major tennis tournament.
Ever wondered why sometimes a tennis match is won without a single ball being hit? A tennis walkover is one of those terms that can leave casual fans scratching their heads when it pops up. You’re all set for a thrilling match, only to hear that it’s been decided by a walkover. What’s going on? In the high-stakes realm of tennis, a walkover isn’t just an easy win; it’s a twist of fate that can dramatically change the course of a tournament. Whether due to injury, illness, or unexpected circumstances, walkovers add an element of unpredictability to the game. So, what exactly triggers a walkover, and how does it affect players and fans? RadioTimes.com explains this curious aspect of tennis that can turn anticipation into despair in an instant. What is a walkover in tennis? Simply put, a walkover is when one player decides they either can’t play in a match or they can’t continue a match that has already started. You may hear the word ‘retirement’ if a player has to bow out mid-match, meaning their opponent gets a bye into the next round without having to complete their victory. These unfortunate circumstances pop the air out of matches for both players and fans, leaving unsatisfying conclusions to sometimes epic matches can happen for a variety of reasons, eg illness or injury. Some famous walkovers in recent history have seen the most prestigious of tournaments altered due to the cruel hand of fate. In 2022, Rafael Nadal appeared to suffer an abdominal injury during his Wimbledon quarter-final against American Taylor Fritz. Despite grinding his way to victory, Nadal was unable to take to the court in his semi-final against big-serving Australian Nick Kyrgios, meaning Kyrgios got a bye to his first-ever Wimbledon final, arguably the crown jewel match for any player. Some players can be plagued with the above. Early in his career, the (now) great Novak Djokovic garnered a reputation for retiring from matches due to illness, with many questioning both his fitness and mental fortitude. While on the other hand, Swiss maestro Roger Federer never retired mid-match in his career spanning over 1500 singles matches. Let’s hope the next two weeks at SW19 don’t bring any cruel twists of fate. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Why is Emma Raducanu not playing at Wimbledon 2023?
Emma Raducanu has suffered with injury problems leading up to Wimbledon 2023. We have all the latest news.
Cast your mind back to a year ago: Emma Raducanu was ready for an almighty homecoming at Wimbledon. Her first action on British soil since her fated US Open triumph, the first since her mazy run into the fourth round at the 2021 edition of Wimbledon that triggered the British sensation’s name to go up in lights. Rightly so, Raducanu and the British public were still dining on one of sports greatest ever fairytale stories. Skip forward to today, and things aren't quite the same. The most prestigious tennis tournament of them all will be void of a great personality and an extremely dangerous player on her day, Raducanu will not play at SW19 in 2023. But why? RadioTimes.com has rounded up all the details about Emma Raducanu's absence from Wimbledon 2023. Wimbledon on TV | Wimbledon order of play today | Wimbledon prize money | Wimbledon presenters, pundits and commentators | Wimbledon tournament tree | Wimbledon seeded players | British players at Wimbledon Why is Emma Raducanu not playing at Wimbledon this year? Simply put, triple surgery. It has been a trying 12 months for Raducanu during which the young Brit has been unable to muster the consistency she would undoubtedly want to have found post-US Open heroics, mainly due to niggling injuries. This has led to ankle surgery and an operation on each hand, and the 20-year-old admitted she was trying to “downplay issues, manage the pain and play through it" prior to succumbing to her injury problems. The procedures are “minor” according to Raducanu, with the hand issue being a recurring bone injury that has reared its ugly head on a few occasions over the last year, bringing an early end to Raducanu’s 2022 season – and likely her 2023 campaign as well. The timeline of recovery for Raducanu is up in the air, with a return by the US Open in August feeling optimistic on many counts. The most likely scenario is one that sees Raducanu sit out the remainder of the tennis year as she recoups, recovers and attempts to rediscover her love of the game, having given a very candid interview on the stresses, pressures and scrutiny that followed her US Open win. She said: “I don’t think it is bad mentally to take a break, reset, and get really hungry for it again”. For now, Wimbledon must go ahead without her while we keep our fingers crossed for Raducanu to return with the ultra-competitive, fearless spirit that put her on the map in the first place, possibly starting Down Under in January 2024. Check out our live tennis on TV today page for all the major tournaments taking place this week and in 2023. Read more about this year's Wimbledon in the special latest issue of Radio Times magazine – out now. For more Wimbledon features, check out: Wimbledon FAQs, facts and figures | Who has won Wimbledon the most times? | How does Wimbledon Hawk-Eye work? If you’re looking for something else to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Sport hub for all the latest news. Take part in the Screen Test, a project from Radio Times and the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, to explore the role of television and audio in our lives. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Why is Rafael Nadal not playing at Wimbledon 2023?
Rafael Nadal made a major announcement in the build-up to a big summer of tennis. We have all the latest news.
It’s easy to revel in the other-worldly achievements of Rafael Nadal. He has racked up 22 Grand Slam titles, including two Wimbledon triumphs (2008, 2010). However, if not for a host of recurring injuries, his total could have been far higher and he could have stood alone in tennis’ GOAT race. The legendary Spanish star has also dragged himself to a number of titles while hurt, including last year's French Open in Paris, during which Nadal revealed he was having daily injections in his foot to get him over line in each round of the competition However, this multitude of injuries over the years has seen Nadal miss 11 Grand Slams across his career, sadly including this year’s upcoming Wimbledon. RadioTimes.com has rounded up all the details about Rafael Nadal's absence from Wimbledon 2023. Wimbledon on TV | Wimbledon order of play today | Wimbledon prize money | Wimbledon presenters, pundits and commentators | Wimbledon tournament tree | Wimbledon seeded players | British players at Wimbledon Why is Rafael Nadal not playing at Wimbledon this year? Wimbledon is a tournament that Nadal is no stranger to seeing the medical table at. One year ago, he was forced to pull out at the semi-final stage following an abdominal tear during his mammoth quarter final with American ace Taylor Fritz. An injury to Nadal’s hip, suffered during a third-round Australian Open defeat in January this year, was the latest in a long line of knee, ankle, hip, and wrist injuries that have plagued Rafa on and off for approximately a decade. Originally slated for a recovery period of around six to eight weeks, this new injury was supposed to come and go. Alas, halfway through the year, and we’re yet to see Nadal re-emerge. Nadal has now officially shut himself down for the remainder of the 2023 tennis season. The real kicker here is the next time we see Nadal, it will probably be the last, with the 37-year-old saying next season will be his last, should he recover to be in 2024 at all. Following his Roland Garros withdrawal, he stated: “My intention is for 2024 to be my last year”. Let’s hope that Nadal’s swansong provides more of the magical and downright jaw dropping moments that have made him a fan favourite for nearly 20 years. For more Wimbledon features, check out: Wimbledon FAQs, facts and figures | Who has won Wimbledon the most times? | How does Wimbledon Hawk-Eye work? How many times has Rafael Nadal won Wimbledon? Rafa has lifted the trophy on Centre Court twice. He first won in 2008 after a thrilling five setter against Roger Federer, a match deemed by many fans to be the greatest tennis final of all time. Nadal won again in 2010, this time in straight sets against Tomas Berdych. Check out our live tennis on TV today page for all the major tournaments taking place this week and in 2023. Read more about this year's Wimbledon in the special latest issue of Radio Times magazine – out now. If you’re looking for something else to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Sport hub for all the latest news. Take part in the Screen Test, a project from Radio Times and the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, to explore the role of television and audio in our lives. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Our round-up of the best women's tennis players of all time.
What constitutes the greatest? A question pondered by sports fans the world over, and one that presents as especially tricky when comparing individuals across eras and becomes near impossible when you apply it to Women’s Tennis. Should more weight be given to those who set records in the Open Era? Does domination of just one event count against a player when comparing to an all-court specialist? RadioTimes.com has considered a variety of factors to identify just who deserves a place in the top ten, from major titles, legacy, longevity, natural talent, play style, and of course, the dreaded head-to-head records. Let’s take look at just who managed to squeeze out the competition and who can truly be considered an all-time great. No prizes for guessing our number one. 10. Justine Henin Henin dragged Belgian tennis to the top of the world alongside compatriot Kim Clijsters (herself unlucky to miss out on a place on this list). A year end #1 three times, Henin collected seven Grand Slams in the early 2000s, a remarkable feat in a decade which involved greats of the game both at the beginning and the end of their journeys. Often hailed for a unique mental resilience, it was Henin’s fierce one-handed backhand (a rare sight in the women’s game in the '00s) that was her calling card. 9. Martina Hingis Hingis blazed the trail for Swiss Tennis superstardom long before Federer had even lifted the Wimbledon title for the first time. The definition of prodigy, Hingis remains the youngest open era Grand Slam champion, capturing her first title at the mere age of 16. And with two more following in the same year (1997) the new, and youngest #1 in history looked set to go toe to toe with a pair of legendary sisters you may find on this list. However, a string of injuries forced Hingis to retire at just 22, and although she did manage a historic return to the doubles court, including multiple Grand Slam titles, her absence from singles meant the Tennis world was robbed of what could have been. 8. Venus Williams Bursting onto the scene with unrivalled power and prowess, Venus enters this list before her sister, just as she did with her arrival into the game, becoming the first African American woman in the open era to reach the summit of the sport. And while her seven Grand Slam titles might seem modest to some (including five at Wimbledon), if not for her sisters’ greatness, Venus may very well sit near the peak of this pyramid, having run into her sister in nine major finals, losing seven. A run which saw four all Williams finals in a row between 2002-2003, all not going Venus’ way. Regardless of the numbers, there’s no looming shadow here, Venus paved the way for generations of youngsters (including Serena). And despite a whole host of Injury setbacks, continues to play, with 2023 her 30th year on the WTA tour. Unrivalled longevity from a true sporting legend. 7. Margaret Court Maybe a surprise to some to see the player with the most slams in history (and maybe the most apt name) not higher up the list. But with 13 of those 24 titles coming before the open era, something must give. Nevertheless, Court remains an all-time great, with her imposing serve and volley style helping her complete the career Grand Slam at just 21. Court remains the only player in the sports history to have won major titles at every slam across all three disciplines of the sport (singles, doubles, mixed doubles) at least twice. 6. Billie Jean King There a few more recognisable figures in the world of Tennis than BJK. Winner of 39 Grand Slam titles (12 singles, 27 doubles), King was arguably as influential off the court (and still is) as she was on it. A pioneer of equality in Tennis, King was a founding member of the first Women’s professional tour and was the pivotal force behind the US Open becoming the first Grand Slam to offer equal prize money for men and women in 1973. To list all King has done for the game would take a lifetime, but as sporting rabbit holes go, you could do worse than tumbling down this one. Undoubtedly one of the most pivotal figures in Tennis history. 5. Monica Seles Another superstar from the prodigy pool, and arguably the pick of the bunch. Seles won her first major title at 16 (youngest ever before Hingis stole the mantle) and collected eight Grand Slam titles before her 20th birthday. The teenage sensation was (without hyperbole) on course to be the greatest the sport had ever seen, before a horrendous on-court stabbing-attack in April 1993 by a fan of Seles’ great rival Steffi Graf derailed both Seles’ glittering career, and sadly put pay to one of the sports best rivalries. Despite returning to the sport two years later, Seles mustered only one extra slam after 1993, an incredible comeback and achievement that certainly shouldn’t be sniffed at, but it’s impossible not to think of what could have been. 4. Chris Evert Charged with revolutionising Tennis, Chris Evert was arguably the first out and out baseliner in the Women’s game. Blessed with a brick wall defence and unwavering patience, this counterpunching style led Evert to 18 Grand Slam singles titles, including seven at the French Open (the most for a female player) and saw the American, former world #1 involved in one of the sport’s greatest ever rivalries, facing off in 60 finals, including 14 major finals with another all-time great, Martina Navratilova (Spoiler alert). 3. Steffi Graf Graf shot to prominence in the late '80s and early '90s and is unlucky to miss out on a spot in the top two. With seven Wimbledon, six French Open, five US Open and four Australian Open titles, numbers were the name of the game for this German Powerhouse. Graf spent a whopping 377 weeks at world #1 across her distinguished career (a record still yet to be beaten), and sits on her own as the only player, male or female to complete the fabled golden slam, winning all four grand slams the Olympics in the same year. 2. Martina Navratilova Navratilova amassed a whopping 59 Grand Slam titles across all disciplines of the sport (18 singles, 41 doubles) and holds the record for the most Open Era titles (167). A pioneer of modern training for athletes, The Czech American was ahead of her time and ahead of the field in the early '80s, dominating with her aggressive serve and volley style, a trait she utilised to devastating effect in her era spanning rivalries with a few who sit behind her on this list, namely Evert. Navratilova ended arguably the greatest rivalry the Women’s game has seen with a 43-37 lead over Evert, including a 10-4 head-to-head in Grand Slam finals. 1. Serena Williams In a list of titans separated by fine margins, only one can claim full ownership of one of sports most overly tossed about phrases, and truly claim GOAT status. By whatever metric you care to throw out, be it titles, legacy, global impact, play style, one player rises to the top. 23 singles Grand Slam titles spanning 18 years (plus another 14 with sister Venus) and defeating all before her with a brutal yet elegant game. Her best was simply unbeatable, this is one of Sports rarest of legends, known by one name, she is simply, Serena. If you’re looking for something else to watch, check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide, or visit our Sport hub for all the latest news. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. 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Our round-up of the best men's tennis players of all time.
The hierarchy of Men’s tennis has seen much fluctuation over the past 50 years. From the beginning of the Open Era in 1969 to present day, we have seen several truly special talents, many of whom have a valid argument in laying claim to being the ‘best’. So how do we run the rule over this batch of history makers? Should you really weigh up Open Era tennis vs what came before? And does it purely boil down to how many Grand Slam titles a player has won? RadioTimes.com has considered a variety of factors to identify just who deserves a place on this list, from major titles, legacy, longevity, natural talent, play style, and the dreaded head-to-head records. Of course, not every great player can make the list (including one American who may have one choice phrase to shout about his exclusion), but nevertheless, let’s start the countdown. 10. Andy Murray Undoubtedly the most important player in British tennis history, but maybe the unluckiest in the sports history? Regardless of the looming shadow of those names that may or may not occupy the top spots on this list, there’s a reason the phrase ‘the big four’ existed for well over a decade. Murray went toe to toe with legends to be, cutting off slices of his own history along the way, including becoming the first British man to win Wimbledon since 1936 (he’s still the only man to beat Djokovic in a Wimbledon final), leading Great Britain to a historic Davis Cup win, and standing alone as the only player in history to win back-to-back Olympic singles titles. And while I can already hear the shouts of “But he only has three Grand Slams”, trophies have never been a completely fair reflection of talent. Murray has the sixth most final appearances, titles, and match wins in the history of the men’s game, and when you factor in that he was the only man between 2004-2022 not named Djokovic, Federer, or Nadal to top the rankings, his place on this list is more than earned. 9. Jimmy Connors Connors was a title machine in the mid 70’s. Combining one of the best service return’s the game had seen at the time with a never say die and often (way) over-the-top attitude. Despite occasionally strange on court antics, the American spent 160 consecutive weeks atop the world rankings from 1974-1977, and still holds the records for most tour titles in the Open Era (109). Add in eight Grand Slam titles, and a rip-roaring rivalry with a legend many will be aggrieved is not on this list, in John McEnroe, that’s quite the CV for one of the game’s most famous left-handers. 8. Ivan Lendl Anchored by his sport altering top-spin forehand, Lendl, much like the man he would coach 30 years later (Andy Murray) had to overcome several tests before being allowed into the Grand Slam winners enclosure. Also, like Murray he was faced with the stiffest competition, regularly facing off with both Connors and McEnroe (all be it retiring with a winning record over both) and losing his first four major finals. But once over the line at the 1984 French Open, the often-stoic Czech never looked back, collecting eight Slam titles and spending over 200 weeks at #1. 7. Andre Agassi Agassi was by some distance the greatest returner the game had seen up until that point and balanced it with a unique ability to grind down his opponents. These components helped Agassi become one of only five men in the Open era to complete the career Grand Slam, with the American the first to have completed it on three different surfaces (US Open and Australian Open didn’t switch to hard courts until 1978 & 88 respectively). A fascinating individual both on and off the court, and retiring with a healthy eight slams, Agassi is most remembered for being one half of a 34-match epic rivalry that dominated the 90’s. 6. Pete Sampras The other half of the rivalry that consumed men’s tennis in the 90’s and even spilled over to the new millennia. ‘Pistol’ Pete Sampras was a ruthless competitor, possessing arguably the best serve in the history of the tour. A weapon he used to devastating effect, finishing his career with 14 major titles, although unlike his great rival, he never managed to complete the career Grand Slam, failing to claim the French Open (only appearing in one semi-final). However, Sampras did have the final word in their decade long tilt, beating Agassi in the 2002 US Open final, before riding off into the retirement sunset, a fairy-tale farewell extremely rare among elite athletes. 5. Björn Borg You could make a case for Borg being tennis’ first superstar. After bursting onto the scene as a teenage French Open Champion, the golden-haired Swede showed no signs of slowing down, dominating Clay and Grass court tennis with his majestic style, collecting 6 Roland Garros titles in 9 years, and winning on the hallowed turf of Wimbledon five consecutive times between 1976-1980. Borg was also the first player to earn over a £1 million in prize money, ushering in a new era for the sport. 4. Rod Laver Laver is the only man on this list to have played before the Open Era. In fact, by the start of the Open Era (the time when professionals were allowed to play major tournaments) in 1968, Laver was already 30. However, this didn’t stop him achieving much of the same success he had prior, with his haul of 74 tour titles still seeing him 7th on the Open Era standings. The Australian’s crowning achievement is his status as the only player in history to have completed the calendar slam twice. His sweep of all the majors in 1969 remains the only time in the Open Era a man has completed the (almost) impossible feat. 3. Roger Federer <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2018/06/823387032-613a906.jpg" width="594" height="394" alt="LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 16: Roger Federer of Switzerland poses for photographs as he celebrates winning the Men's Singles Final against Marin Cilic on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Corbis via Getty Images)" title="Day Thirteen: The Championships - Wimbledon 2017" /> It would have been almost unthinkable, even a few years ago to not have Federer a top a list of this nature. To many even the word tennis is synonymous with the Swiss maestro. The 20-time Grand Slam Champion spent over two decades conducting symphonies on the world’s most famous courts, sweeping all before him in the 2000’s, winning three of the four Grand Slams in the same year on three separate occasions, including five consecutive Wimbledon and US Open titles (he remains the only player to have won three different majors on at least five occasions). Often praised for his calm demeanour, who can forget the outpouring of emotion following his Australian Open final victory over long-time rival and friend Nadal in 2017 after a lengthy injury lay-off. But stats and moments aside, Federer’s effortless nature on court provided a spectacle for all, with his patented one-handed backhand a blueprint that many have tried to follow. Has tennis ever looked so perfect? I don’t think so. 2.Rafael Nadal There are few in any field, let alone in sport who can lay claim to being categorically the best at anything. However, in the case of Rafa its arguable (not really) that he is as good at playing tennis on clay as anyone as ever been at anything…ever. Nadal hold 14 titles at Roland Garros and boasts a quite ridiculous 112-3 win/loss record since he first stepped foot on the red clay of Paris in 2005. While it’s easy to become fixated on these bonkers numbers, Nadal’s consistency, and longevity away from Clay is also worth noting. He sits as one of only four men to have won each slam at least twice (a list not including rival Federer) and spent a record 18 years straight ranked inside the world’s top 10. With a joint-record 22 Grand slams, who’s to say the King of Clay won’t end his career as the king of tennis? 1. Novak Djokovic It’s fair to say a more than a justifiable case could be made to have the ‘big three’ in any order you please, but top spot here belongs to the man who has spent more weeks at the summit of the world rankings than anyone in history. Something not many predicted when he won his first (of 10) Australian Open titles in 2008 and disrupted the ‘Fedal’ dominance. Djokovic’s game is built on both precision and speed, luring opponents into sometimes gruelling rallies before letting fly with powerful and pinpoint darts. He is undeniably the most complete player the game has ever seen, with abilities that adapt to whichever surface he’s on. Novak remains the only player to have beaten Nadal twice at the French Open and is the only man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four slams at the same time. Djokovic also sits a mere one title behind Federer’s tally of Wimbledon titles (thanks in part to the incredible end to the final at the all-England club in 2019). Currently tied with Nadal on 22 Grand Slams, it won’t be long until it’s an undeniable fact that the great Serb is the GOAT. If you’re looking for something else to watch, check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide, or visit our Sport hub for all the latest news. 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