• Wimbledon

Murray understands fans' frustration

Spectators watch the big screen before it is switched off due to the weather © Getty Images

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Britain's Andy Murray has sympathised with disgruntled fans after the screen on Murray Mount was turned off during his first-round match at Wimbledon because of health and safety fears.

Thousands of supporters gathered on the hill to watch Murray get his campaign underway against Spain's Daniel Gimeno-Traver, only to see the giant screen switched off just as the clash was beginning.

The opening day of the championships had begun without a hitch but the heavens opened and rain brought a halt to proceedings on all courts except for Centre Court, which boasts a retractable roof.

With the rain coming down and making the hill slippery and dangerous, tournament bosses decided to cut transmission - a decision which rankled many fans.

"It's disappointing for them, I think," said Murray, who progressed in four sets. "Obviously, when it rains, there's only one court you can watch.

"But I think there are things you learn from having an indoor court for the first time. Usually, there's nothing, no tennis to watch or anything. So I'm sure they'll find a way of changing that in the future."

Wimbledon spokesman Johnny Perkins insisted fans' safety was paramount and therefore the decision to turn off the coverage was vindicated. He said: "This is the first time we have had to shut off the big screen as this is the first time the roof has been used in these conditions.

"Previous to the roof, of course, there would have been no play to watch on Centre anyway if it was rained off. The hill has been closed because of the slippery nature of the grass while it is so wet.

"It is a health and safety issue. We just can't have people slipping and sliding and falling off the thing and breaking their ankles. It's different on the courts if there is a drizzle as they can sit on seats. We potentially could have large numbers of people slipping and sliding all over the place.

"Even if the rain stops we won't turn the big screen back on - that's it I'm afraid. It's regrettable but wise in view of the circumstances. We always anticipated that we would have to turn off the match for those on the hill if it rained."

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