13 Surprising Wimbledon Rules You Didn't Know Players and Spectators Must Follow
13 Surprising Wimbledon Rules You Didn't Know Players and Spectators Must Follow

Published: July 1, 2025

Wimbledon, the prestigious tennis tournament, kicked off on June 30 in London, and with it, a set of rules and etiquette that players and spectators must follow.

The Strict Curfew

One of the most surprising rules is the curfew for matches. At 11 p.m. GMT, any ongoing matches must be suspended until the following day. This rule was introduced to respect the residents and align with London's Tube schedule, which ends around midnight.

Age Restrictions for Players

Did you know that players must be at least 14 years old to qualify for Wimbledon? This rule, known as the "Age Eligibility Rule," was introduced to prevent young tennis stars from burning out too quickly.

Dress Code for Players

Players must wear predominantly white clothing on the court, with some exceptions for colored trimming and undergarments. The rule was amended in 2023 to allow female players to wear dark-colored undershorts.

No Strict Dress Code for Spectators

While players must adhere to a strict dress code, spectators are free to wear what they like, although "smart casual" is encouraged. However, those lucky enough to sit in the Royal Box must dress up, with jackets and ties required for men and hats discouraged for women.

Grass Court Shoes

Players must wear grass court shoes, which are reminiscent of cleat-like footwear. The shoes must also adhere to Grand Slam rules, with pimples around the outside of the toes not permitted.

Other Rules for Spectators

  • Spectators must be quiet when players serve and rally.
  • Phones must be silenced near the court.
  • Spectators should stay seated when the game is in play.
  • Selfie sticks and oversized hats are prohibited.

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On-Court Conduct

Players are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner, showing respect for officials, opponents, and spectators.

Requesting a Replay

Players are allowed to request a replay of a line call, although with the introduction of electronic line calling in 2025, challenging is no longer necessary.

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