Wimbledon 'struggling' to meet demands of players as Tim Henman addresses situation
Wimbledon gets underway at the start of July and Tim Henman has had his say ahead of the tournament.
Wimbledon is currently “struggling” to meet the demands of players, according to four-time semi-finalist Tim Henman. The All England Club wants to treble the size of the Wimbledon complex by utilising space on a former public golf course opposite the current site.
Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam that isn’t able to host qualifying matches at the same site as the main tournament.
But that would change if the All England Club’s plans to build 39 new grass courts - including an 8,000 capacity show court - are accepted by the Mayor of London's office at a hearing scheduled for later in the summer.
Related articles
If the plans are backed, the Wimbledon site would increase from 42 acres to 115 acres. And Henman can’t see any downside of the proposed development.
“Transforming the former golf course to bring the qualifying event on site will provide world-class facilities for the players and will enable more fans to get closer to the action. It really is a win-win,” the 49-year-old told The Mail on Sunday.
“The current practice facilities are struggling to accommodate the performance needs of elite athletes, and this holds the club back in maintaining its position in a competitive sporting landscape.
“These proposals will allow Wimbledon to stay ahead of other global sporting events and will secure the status of the championships at the pinnacle of sport for decades.”
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The plans have faced huge opposition, with the Conservative and Liberal Democrat candidates in the marginal Wimbledon seat both challenging them.
And Christopher Coombe of the Save Wimbledon Park Group explained: “The golf course is heavily protected - it's green belt. It's a Grade II*-listed park. The buildings and the amount of development they are proposing are way too much.”
But chairman of the All England Club Debbie Jevans stated last night: “The long term benefit of this transformation will outweigh any short-term disruption.”
Don't miss...
Jamie Murray opens up on his own retirement plans ahead of emotional Wimbledon [QUOTES]
Wimbledon get stubborn after Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray criticism [INSIGHT]
Naomi Osaka gets Olympics news she was dreaming of as Raducanu left sweating [DETAILS]
Qualifying for this year’s edition of Wimbledon will get underway on Monday, June 24, with the main tournament beginning a week later.
Carlos Alcaraz is the reigning men’s champion, having seen off seven-time winner Novak Djokovic in the 2023 showpiece event. The Spaniard is favourite to lift the trophy once again this time around, with Jannik Sinner also expected to compete for honours.
Marketa Vondrousova, meanwhile, will be aiming to defend her ladies title when the tournament gets underway. The Czech ace overcame Ons Jabeur in last year’s final to clinch the first Grand Slam title of her career.
