Andy Murray recently criticized Wimbledon’s roof policy, questioning why the third set of the fourth-round match between Jannik Sinner and Grigor Dimitrov wasn’t played with the roof open. However, several fans pushed back against Murray’s remarks, arguing that the closed roof ensures consistent lighting, which is crucial for the accurate functioning of the Hawk-Eye system.
The fourth-round clash between Dimitrov and Sinner was marred by injuries, with both players struggling at different points before the former was eventually forced to retire. Another talking point arose when the organizers decided to close the roof at 8:30 p.m., just as the third set was about to begin, with Dimitrov leading by two sets.
Fans Push Back Against Andy Murray’s Criticism of Wimbledon Roof Policy
Wimbledon has replaced line judges with the Hawk-Eye Live electronic system across its 18 courts, ending 147 years of human oversight in line-calling. However, the technology drew attention for the wrong reasons when it malfunctioned during the fourth-round match between Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Sonay Kartal.
It is worth noting that Hawk-Eye relies on consistent and accurate visual tracking, for which constant lighting is needed. Any fluctuations or degraded visibility can interrupt monitoring and lead to missed calls. Thus, the officials opted to close the roof during Sinner and Dimitrov’s clash, as they deemed the natural light insufficient. However, the roof closure could halt the game’s momentum as the process takes around 13 minutes to complete.
However, three-time Major champion Murray criticized the decision, arguing that there was still sufficient light. He wrote on X:
“So ridiculous to close the roof at this stage of the match. At least an hour of light left….well over a set of tennis can still be played..its an outdoor tournament! 👎.”
So ridiculous to close the roof at this stage of the match. At least an hour of light left….well over a set of tennis can still be played..its an outdoor tournament! 👎
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) July 7, 2025
Several fans came in numbers to push back against Murray’s statement, with one writing:
“Tbh it will begin getting noticeably dark in less than hour, the set could easily take longer than that. Better to close the roof before a set than midway through.”
Tbh it will begin getting noticeably dark in less than hour, the set could easily take longer than that. Better to close the roof before a set than midway through.
— KidGrande (@best_is_tennis) July 7, 2025
Notably, Ben Shelton’s match against Australia’s Rinky Hijikata was also suspended due to darkness, which could have affected the Electronic Line Calling system. In light of this, one fan commented:
“From what happened at the Shelton match its to do with the light & hawkeye unfortunately, getting rid of line umpires means natural light isnt enough.”
“Did you also say this on previous days when the roof was closed at the same time? Or when entire matches were stopped due to lack of light or noise regulations? Saying this after yesterday sounds a bit specious, Andy,” a fan chimed in.
Did you also say this on previous days when the roof was closed at the same time? Or when entire matches were stopped due to lack of light or noise regulations? Saying this after yesterday sounds a bit specious, Andy.
— Ale Erre 0808 (@Alex_Erre84) July 8, 2025
Here are a few more reactions from the fans online:
“It is hawk-eye fault. They need to close the roof for the light, this is what happens when there aren’t anymore lines judges and the sunset light isn’t good for hawk-eye live. They closed the roof about the same time every night and see what happened to the Shelton match,” a fan wrote.
“But this week they closed the roof approximately at the same time every day…
Did you just see it today?” A fan asked.
But this week they closed the roof approximately at the same time every day…
Did you just see it today?— PF (@PiFi05) July 8, 2025
“They closed the roof approximately at the same time every day this week. Come on, you can do better than writing nonsense,” a fan echoed the previous fan’s sentiments.
They closed the roof approximately at the same time every day this week. Come on, you can do better than writing nonsense.
— Mary Stuart (@mayday_Stuart) July 7, 2025
Another notable instance occurred when organizers closed the roof during Novak Djokovic’s first-round match against Alexandre Muller. The decision was made around 8:45 PM, and play resumed after a delay of nearly 15 minutes. The Serb successfully won the match 6-1, 6-7(9),6-2, 6-2.
Wimbledon 2025 Marked by Multiple Match Suspensions
The 2025 Wimbledon Championships have seen several notable instances of matches being halted. The first-round clash between Taylor Fritz and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard was stopped with 40 minutes left before the tournament’s strict 11 p.m. curfew, which required all play to end and players to vacate the court by that time.
It proved to be a contentious decision as it came right after Fritz leveled the match at two sets all, and looked too strong to make a comeback. When play resumed the following day, the American completed his turnaround with a 6-7(8), 6-7(10), 6-4, 7-6(6), 6-4 victory to advance to the next round.
In addition to the Shelton–Hijikata encounter, the second-round match between Gaël Monfils and Márton Fucsovics was also suspended with both players locked at two sets apiece. After Fucsovics claimed the fourth set 7-6(5), play was halted due to insufficient light. The Hungarian returned the next day to complete a hard-fought 6-4, 1-6, 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 victory.
