Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Just like old times as rain delays start of Wimbledon

Last updated on: June 28, 2021 17:18 IST

Wimbledon

IMAGE: Spectators hold umbrella's as they queue outside Wimbledon before the start of play. Photograph: Paul Childs/Reuters

Murky skies and drizzle could not dampen the enthusiasm of spectators arriving on Monday for the start of the 134th Wimbledon Championships which were cancelled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 protocols mean this year's tournament will look and feel a little different -- but one old Wimbledon tradition remained firmly intact with rain delaying the scheduled 1000GMT start on the outside courts.

 

Wimbledon

IMAGE: General view of centre court before the start of play. Photograph: Ian Walton/Reuters

Fittingly for the eagerly-awaited return of the tournament, Andy Murray will resume his role as flag-bearer for the home nation with a prime time engagement later on Centre Court.

Whisper it quietly, but it almost feels like old times.

Not quite, though, as Wimbledon, being used as government-approved 'pilot event', will be missing some old favourites.

The iconic 'queue' for daily entry will not form, Henman Hill will be sparsely populated and fans will not have the thrill of bumping into famous players strolling to the grounds from plush rentals in the Village.

Wimbledon

IMAGE: General view as courts are prepared before the start of play. Photograph: Peter Nicholls /Reuters

Players will all be staying in a central London hotel to minimise the risks of COVID-19 infections.

Crowds will be thinner too with attendances limited to 50% of ground capacity, although hopefully rising to full houses on Centre Court for the men's and women's finals on July 10-11.

But after last year's cancellation, the first since the Second World War, excitement is brewing for a fortnight of grasscourt drama, even if there are notable absentees.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal, whose 2008 final win over Roger Federer is part of Wimbledon folklore, is not playing. Neither is reigning women's champion Simona Halep nor Japan's four-times Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.

POSITIVE TEST

British number one Johanna Konta withdrew on the eve of the tournament after a member of her entourage tested positive for COVID-19 -- a worrying start for nervy organisers.

But a high-quality cast has assembled in the biosecure bubble and women's top seed Ash Barty summed up what Wimbledon means.

"You walk through the gates here at the All England Club and you're instantly filled with gratitude," the Australian said.

"It was a tournament that was sorely missed last year. Every time you get to walk through these gates, it's a feeling that you can't take for granted."

Wimbledon

IMAGE: Staff use a mist spray to disinfect the seats on centre court before the start of play. Photograph: Ian Walton/Reuters

For Murray, who ended a 77-year drought for British men when he won the 2013 title and triumphed again three years later, Wimbledon represents a return to some kind of normality.

The former world number one has not played a singles match at the All England Club since a quarter-final defeat by Sam Querrey in 2017 -- after which his body began to fail and his career appeared to be hanging by a thread.

Wimbledon

IMAGE: Ground staff remove court covers from an outside court ahead of the start of play. Photograph: Ben Solomon-Pool/Getty Images

"I know it's not normal, but it feels somewhat normal now..., with all the players around and practising, knowing that... we'll be playing not in front of a full crowd but in front of a lot of people," Murray said.

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.