Wimbledon's ambitious expansion plans have cleared a major legal hurdle after the High Court ruled that the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club can proceed with its development. The court found that land-use restrictions do not apply to the former golf course site where the club plans to build 38 new courts and an 8,000-seater stadium. The ruling dismisses claims by Save Wimbledon Park that the land should remain public space.

Campaign group Save Wimbledon Park argued the area should be preserved as parkland, but Justice Thompsell determined the land was never dedicated to public recreation. Instead, it served as a private golf club without any statutory trust obligations. The club's 1986 lease and 1993 freehold transfer were both conducted free of such restrictions, giving them full development rights to triple Wimbledon's current size.

Despite the setback, Save Wimbledon Park intends to appeal to the Court of Appeal, arguing alternative plans could preserve the park while still allowing tournament expansion. The All England Club maintains its proposal would create 27 acres of new public parkland while modernizing facilities to match other Grand Slam tournaments. The club claims overwhelming local support for the project, which would enable on-site qualifying matches and enhanced practice facilities for top players.