Fans queue since Saturday for opening day at Wimbledon

Diehard tennis fans waited for almost 54 hours to guarantee a seat on Centre Court as Wimbledon swung into action today.

Around 8,000 people joined the queue for tickets for the opening day at SW19, which was at full capacity by 8.02am — two and a half hours before the gates opened.

Stella Riley, from Wimbledon, was the first in line after setting up camp at 7.30am on Saturday.

The Novak Djokovic fan said she was not put off by the UK’s “severe” terror threat level.

Ms Riley, who is in her 60s and originally from Ireland, said: “I’ve been coming nearly every year for the last 30 years.

“People said be careful but it didn’t cross my mind at all.

“I’ve always loved tennis, it’s always interested me since I played as a young girl.”

Michael Slatcher and his girlfriend Jenny Crockford were sixth and seventh in the queue.

Mr Slatcher, 32, from Ash Vale in Surrey, said he did not think Murray’s support among English fans would be dented after the British number one backed Scottish independence.

“He’s very Scottish but he’s also very British,” Mr Slatcher said.

“He’s always said he’s very British. He works hard for the Davis Cup team.”

Mr Slatcher said he had been coming to Wimbledon for the last 17 years.

“I used to tell school I was sick then I would appear on GMTV,” he joked.

Andy Murray’s supporters were already setting up camp at 8am this morning ahead of his opening match tomorrow, the All England Club said.

Thermos flasks, selfie-sticks and camping seats are among the items banned from the grounds this year.