19/06/2012 12:41 CEST - Rassegna internazionale

Wimbledon, cambierà la data? (Daily Mail)

Wimbledon is set to push for a break from more than 100 years of tradition to create a three-week gap between itself and the French Open.

The All England Club’s leadership want to extend the grass court season by another week to avoid clashes with other major sports events and allow players more time to adjust from clay to grass.

Not since the late 1800s has Wimbledon ever finished later than July 9, but such a move, which would not be achievable for at least two years, would see the world’s premier tournament finish around the middle of the month.

It is a sound idea on a number of fronts, especially in an age of a massive summer football tournament every two years.

There is also a clash this year with the British Grand Prix, which will happen on the same day as the men’s singles final.

The world’s top players currently face a dash to get ready for grass due to Roland Garros and Wimbledon being crammed into a six-week period.

Crucially, All England chairman Philip Brook appears to have the backing of the Lawn Tennis Association, who own and run the grass court tournaments in Britain that lead up to the main event.

Although neither body was prepared to comment on Monday it is understood they have already taken informal soundings from representatives of the men’s and women’s tours about a shift of date.