Closed roof doesn't keep everyone dry

CENTRE COURT attracted criticism yesterday after a rain storm saw spectators moved.

Despite the retractable roof being closed, water came in during torrential conditions and six fans were given different seats.

The roof was said to cost between €90 million and €110 million and has attracted comments from players who claim the ball travels more slowly when it is shut.

Last night, the All England club promised to fix the problem as soon as possible.

Spokesman Johnny Perkins said: “There were three small leaks to the permanent roof, not the retractable roof.

“The temperature of the playing surface wasn’t affected at all. The leaks resulted in six people being relocated.

“The rain was pretty intensive for that period but our maintenance department will investigate and trace the source. The image on the television was just the natural drainage process.

“It is difficult to say when it will be fixed because the maintenance people can only get in when it is not in use. But they will get in there at the first opportunity they get.”