Wimbledon Officials Approve $322.5 Million “Novak Djokovic Stadium” Adjacent to Centre Court 🎾

 

 

LONDON – In a dramatic turn this week, Wimbledon’s All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) reportedly approved a £260 million (approximately $322.5 million) initiative to construct a new 10,000‑seat stadium dedicated to tennis legend Novak Djokovic, immediately across from Centre Court. Officials describe it as “an enduring tribute to Djokovic’s monumental contributions to the sport.”

 

The newly announced project—now formally known as the “Novak Djokovic Stadium”—is set to complement centre court’s historic status with modern amenities, including a retractable roof, enhanced player facilities, and public-access practice courts. AELTC Chair Debbie Jevans stated the stadium “symbolizes the evolution of tennis at the All England Club and cements Djokovic’s status as one of the greatest athletes ever to grace these lawns.”

 

Strategically located across from No. 1 Court on land formerly part of the Wimbledon Park Golf Club, the Djokovic stadium features:

 

10,000‑seat capacity – making it the third-largest venue at the site.

 

Retractable roof – ensuring uninterrupted play, even in London’s fickle weather.

 

38 new grass courts – doubling current practice court space and enabling on-site Grand Slam qualifying.

 

Community amenities – including public parkland and free access to select courts on non-tournament days.

 

 

AELTC Chief Executive Sally Bolton emphasized the community dimension: “We are committed to expanding access to tennis and parks, offering at least seven new courts and multiple acres of green space available to locals.” The project aligns closely with broader plans to combine sport infrastructure and public benefit.

 

Djokovic’s Legacy Celebrated

 

A dedicated committee has been formed to oversee the stadium’s naming, design, and construction phases. Supporters hail the move as a fitting honour for Djokovic, whose career highlights include a record-equaling 24 Grand Slam singles titles and seven Wimbledon triumphs. Environmental and public-use considerations were also stated as key pillars of the decision—echoing features of other modern sports facilities.

 

Novak Djokovic himself was reportedly deeply moved. One insider said he described the gesture as “humbling,” reflecting on his gratitude for a decision that may outlive his playing career.

 

Legal and Environmental Backdrop

 

Though the extension has received backing from the Greater London Authority, AELTC faces a pending judicial review initiated by Save Wimbledon Park, a residents’ group concerned about the loss of green space and environmental disruption. The initial £200 million plan—now part of this new package—advocates for an 8,000-seat show court plus dozens of grass courts. Critics argue the land, previously safeguarded as open space, may be irreversibly altered.

 

Local protests have already begun, with over 250 campaigners rallying outside the High Court earlier this month. Their legal challenge hinges on ‘metropolitan open land’ protections. A ruling is expected in the autumn.

 

Schedule and Next Steps

 

Assuming court approval, construction could stretch over eight years—the same timeframe previously outlined. That timetable suggests Djokovic, now 38, might never play on his namesake stadium. But supporters say that’s beside the point: its creation is designed to enshrine his legacy and raise Wimbledon’s global profile for future generations.

 

As the legal battle proceeds, attention will focus on whether the High Court upholds the project—marking a pivotal moment in the All England Club’s history and a major tribute to one of its most iconic champions.

 

 

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In Summary:

– A £260 million (~$322.5 million) stadium named after Djokovic is officially approved.

– The facility augments Centre Court with modern design and public facilities.

– Legal hurdles remain, pending next season’s High Court review.

– If built, it will take nearly a decade—likely

after Djokovic’s retirement—to complete.

 

 

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