Rain won’t hamper Wimbledon again
Published 22 April, 2009, 13:37
There will be a new look to centre-court at this year's Wimbledon Championships, with the tournament for the first time set to use a retractable roof above its main showcourt.
The All England Club's answer to the age-old problem of the British weather covers more than 5,000 square meters, and took two years to build.
Tennis chiefs won't reveal how much the roof cost, but insist it will be worth the money. The translucent structure, complete with its 118 lights, ensures that never again will play be stopped for rain or bad light.
The modernization signals a change in policy for the tournament's organizers, who for years resisted such an idea.
They insist, though, there'll be no such new-look for the famous grass-courts themselves.
"The game is lawn tennis. We have got the inclination, the time, and the resources to prepare the grass properly. I think it is extremely important we remember our heritage and support grass," Wimbledon chairman Tim Phillips said.
The 2009 Wimbledon tournament kicks of on June 22.
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