Two of the biggest events in the men’s sporting calendar are set to clash this weekend.
Read more: Wimbledon men’s final tickets 2018: Can I still buy them and how much do they cost?
The Wimbledon men’s singles final and the conclusion of an extraordinary FIFA World Cup will both take place on Sunday 15th July.
For lovers of both tennis and football, this outcome could be disastrous, as one may have to be prioritised above the other.
Here is everything you need to know about this weekend’s sporting schedule calamity
What time is the Wimbledon men’s singles final?
The Wimbledon men’s singles final is scheduled to start, like every year, at 2pm on Sunday.
What time is the FIFA World Cup final?
The climax of the Russian World Cup will kick-off at 4pm at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Sunday.
Will there be an overlap?
It is highly likely that the two events will overlap.
If the final is wrapped up as quickly as last year’s contest, which saw Roger Federer defeat Marin Cilic in straight sets in one hour 41 minutes, then there may not be any problems for the loyalty-torn viewer.
However, that result may have been an anomaly. In 2016, when Andy Murray won his second Wimbledon title in straight sets against Milos Raonic, the final lasted two hours and 48 minutes.
The average duration of a men’s final since 2002 is a worrying two hours 53 minutes, with the longest match being Rafael Nadal‘s epic victory over Federer in 2008, which last four hours and 48 minutes.
Only twice has a match lasted less than one hour and 50 minutes, roughly enough time to avoid clash. That was Federer’s triumph last year, and his 2005 victory over Andy Roddick, which also lasted one and 41 minutes.
Why did this happen?
The Wimbledon final has always rigidly stuck to a 2pm start time, and Fifa had the option of deciding when to book the World Cup final.
But despite talks between the All England Club and football’s world governing body, they didn’t avoid a clash.
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All England Club commercial director Mick Desmond said: “We’ve always known it was going to be there, we knew 18 months ago.
“But I think it’s slightly surprising that Fifa have the kick off at four o’clock, it’s not something they’ve done in the past but that’s their decision.
“Our tournament [final] always starts at two o’clock and we’ll start at two o’clock.”
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