Tim Henman explains Wimbledon Novak Djokovic delay and vows to ‘investigate’

Start of Wimbledon stream on iPlayer ‘not working’

British tennis icon Tim Henman has explained why Novak Djokovic was delayed by over an hour in his opening day victory over Pedro Cachin on Monday, despite just a small amount of rain falling at Wimbledon. The Serb was forced inside after the opening set, though was able to regain his form to defeat the Argentine 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 to set up a second-round tie with Jordan Thompson.

Djokovic refused to go back onto the court even though the rain had subsidised and bizarrely supporters were treated to watching a staff member use a leafblower in an attempt to dry the Centre Court turf.

The covers had gone on quickly after the first set as rain descended over SW19, but conditions quickly improved. However, the Serb decided against resuming as he was evidently unhappy with the playing surface and supporters were made to wait 90 minutes before watching the second and third sets.

Henman explained how the roof closing affected the humidity in the arena, which prolonged the delay while also vowing to investigate the matter further. “I don’t have an answer for that,” the AELTC board member told the BBC when asked why the delay took so long.

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“It was bizarre because obviously with the referees’ office they have weather radars – they know what’s coming, they were prepared for a quick rain shower so the covers went on really quickly.

“So it seemed like there was very little rain that actually went on the court but then once the roof was shut, it was almost as if the humidity was increasing and then the court was sweating so it was too wet for the players to play. It is slightly bizarre because it has never happened in 14 years since we’ve had the roof. I will investigate, I don’t have the answers just yet.”

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Djokovic did not seem to be affected by the delay, however, going on to secure a straight sets victory. “It was definitely frustrating for all the crowd waiting for us to come out on the court,” Djokovic said after the win.

“We both wanted to play but the conditions were not great. Obviously still slippery under the roof. Once the roof was open it was a different story. After 5-10 minutes we were out and about.

“This is the temple of tennis, this court is something special. Normally I come out with a racket and not towels, but it was fun to do something different. A little bit of a strange feeling, but hopefully you guys liked it.”

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