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'We were right to make Andy Murray play under roof', says Wimbledon chief
Chris Jones30.06.09
Wimbledon chiefs today defended their decision to play Andy Murray's thrilling late-night triumph over Stanislas Wawrinka under the new closed Centre Court roof despite the Briton complaining about the searing heat.
The world No3 took nearly four hours to win 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 during which time it remained dry over the All England Club.
Murray criticised officials for the “very, very hot and humid” conditions he endured, claiming his hands felt like “he had been in a bath”.
He was today forced to take more ice baths to aid his recovery ahead of a quarter-final with Juan Carlos Ferrero and does not want to go through the same agonies on a regular basis.
Ian Ritchie, chief executive of the All England Club, said: “I really don't see any negatives about this and from a player perspective the constancy of conditions, no stops and no coming back today are positives.
“I am sure when Andy sits down with his team in the cool light of day and thinks about all the potential alternatives — how would he have felt stopping at 9.10pm and needing to come back today to finish? — I am sure they'll see the benefits. If you ask if I would have done anything different last night the answer would be absolutely not'.”
The first full floodlit match on Centre Court attracted 12 million viewers on BBC and was also the latest to finish in Wimbledon history — the 10.38pm climax surpassing another Wawrinka match when he lost to Mario Ancic at 9.49pm in 2006 on Court No 1.
Both the Australian and US Open have regular night games but Ritchie insists late matches will only feature at SW19 when circumstances dictate.
He said: “What happened was a significant event that may not happen again this week or it could do tonight. We will not be scheduling a regular evening session and we have said that all along and it is our intention to keep the roof open for as long as possible. I know we missed the rain last night but we'd have been foolish not to leave the roof closed.”
There was no rain when the players were warming up outside but there had been some two hours earlier, prompting the roof to be closed midway during Dinara Safina's match with Amelie Mauresmo. Ritchie added that some issues will be looked at.
He said: “We will review the way the crowd was able to get away from Centre Court and nothing that happened wasn't expected.
“We gave out 250,000 brochures about what could happen when the roof was closed and local residents were also informed about crowds leaving later than normal and no one could have predicted exactly when play would end. But it was clear to everyone that a match would go to the finish.
“I am sure there were some transport difficulties but we kept the park and ride open.”
Reader views (6)
This is why Murray does not enjoy solid support except from those exalted airheads who would support a canary as long as they can chant and jiggle.
He is a spoilt lippy chippy whiny and rather unpleasant fellow and I hope Ferrero does us all a favour and put him out.
- Ziggy, Westminster
Next time, I would put Murray on 1st match instead of third. Would he not moan if he had to play in 33 degrees of heat in the blazing sunshine like the other players who went out first did yesterday?
- Mike Vinnicombe, crediton uk
Although the rain had stopped by the time the players came on, it COULD have re-started - it's a tough call for the All England bosses but I think they did the right thing. One of the best matches so far, IMO.
Perhaps it is time the Brits took their place in the rota for the order of play? It is not fair making everyone else play when the sun is at its strongest - as has often has been the case this year - whilst British hopes have to kick their heels for a 3rd-on-court court time. Is this to do with viewing figures? It doesn't seem fair on anyone!
- Scots Lass, Scotland
It's going to be hot roof on or roof off.
People have moaned for years about not having a roof, and now they're moaning about having a roof. Unbelievable!
- Cat, Essex
If things were so simple.
It is a fair thing to expect that the athletes are given the best prep before they go on court.
Obviously not a tennis player, but little things like that could be the difference between losing and winning. It's rather a bit more than get on with it.
Good game from both players though the better man won in the end
- Ed Baines, London, UK
It this only a game and should be treated as such, with far less of the silly tantrums as to whether the rain upsets or the roof. Too many excuses - the players should just get on with things and keep them in proportion.
A.S-K.
- Anton Sadler=Key, Ipswich UK
