Wimbledon (England), Sept 12: Wimbledon officials have ruled out moving the tournament back a week in 2005 to give players more time to adjust to grass after the French Open.
The all England club said yesterday it had decided to retain the traditional dates for 2004 and 2005, meaning the championships will continue to start two weeks after the clay-court tournament in Paris.
The club said it made the announcement following speculation the dates would move in 2005 to accomodate a third week between the two grand slam events.
For years, players have pushed for an extra week to facilitate the adjustment from clay to grass.

"We are acutely aware that huge numbers of visitors to Wimbledon and many organisations connected to the event make their plans well in advance," all England club chief executive Christopher Gorringe said. "Confirmation of the dates for 2005 should help us all."



The 2004 championships will be played June 21-July 4, with the 2005 tournament set for June 20-July 3.



Wimbledon said the dates for 2006 and beyond remain provisional while discussions continue on whether to add a third week between the two tournaments.


Bureau Report