Retractable Roof Will Cut Wimbledon Delays

Wimbledon unveiled its new 56,000-square-foot retractable roof today, the Times of London reports, with officials optimistic it will mitigate the delays that have made the tennis tournament’s schedule a mess. The roof, under construction for 2 years, will be ready when this year’s event begins June 22. It also means matches can go as late as needed and not be suspended because of darkness.

“We could finish after 10 o’clock in the evening,” said Wimbledon’s chairman. Players will have to come off the court while the roof closes, which hopefully will be done at the end of sets, he said. “We will try to make a judgment call. We’ve all got a feeling of quiet confidence. If it gets to 22-22 in the final set it could go a bit pear-shaped!” (More Wimbledon stories.)