Wimbledon 2016: Matches to be played on traditional rest-day due to rain

For the fourth time in 139 years of The Championships, Wimbledon, matches will be played on the middle Sunday owing to numerous disruptions caused by the rains.

In view of the increasing count of incomplete matches which have been stacking up during the course of the opening week of the 130th edition of the Grand Slam tennis tournament, the Organising Committee has arrived at this decision in an attempt to ensure a smoother transition towards the latter stages of Wimbledon 2016.

As many as ten interruptions have happened in the first five days, which puts the number of singles’ matches to be contested on the traditional rest-day at eight. Should we witness more such instances on Saturday, Sunday’s schedule will have an added number of fixtures.

Retired British star Tim Henman who is a member of the organisers has clarified the reasons behind their latest decision. Approaching the end of Friday, some second round ties were yet to be completed; unless matches are held on Sunday, the coming week would require matches of the third round to be played on Monday, fourth round matches on Tuesday, quarter-finals on the following day and then the semis on Thursday – that, too, given the weather is favourable throughout.

Hence, the option of holding matches on the middle Sunday has been exercised for the first time since 2004. Prior to that, 1991 and 1997 had been the other occasions to have seen the same. Further details regarding the weekend schedule will be revealed on Saturday afternoon.

On Friday, the roof of the Centre Court had to be closed off in the middle of the third round match between top seed Novak Djokovic and American Sam Querrey. The big-serving 28th seed was leading the defending champion by two sets [7-6(8-6), 6-1] when play got suspended.

Marin Cilic’s clash against Lukas Lacko was among the other matches to be deferred, while several third-round contests had to be postponed altogether.