ScotlandWalesNorthern Ireland
BBC Homepagefeedback | low graphics version
BBC Sport Online
You are in: In Depth: Wimbledon 2001  
Front Page 
Results/Fixtures 
Football 
Cricket 
Rugby Union 
Rugby League 
Tennis 
Golf 
Motorsport 
Boxing 
Athletics 
Other Sports 
Sports Talk 
In Depth 
Photo Galleries 
Audio/Video 
TV & Radio 
BBC Pundits 
Question of Sport 
Funny Old Game 

Around The Uk

BBC News

BBC Weather

banner Saturday, 7 July, 2001, 23:52 GMT 00:52 UK
Fans frustrated by washout
Thousands of fans were disappointed by at a rain affected day at Wimbledon
Crowds wait for play to begin at Wimbledon
By BBC Sport Online's Saj Chowdhury at Wimbledon

It was another frustrating day for semi-finalists Tim Henman and Goran Ivanisevic.

After coming on to the Centre Court following a four-and-a-half hour rain delay, the pair were forced to leave the arena as the heavens opened up again following just 51 minutes play.

The majority of the crowd, who had bought their Centre Court tickets to watch the women's final involving Venus Williams and Justine Henin, were hoping for an added bonus of watching the conclusion of the men's semi.


I don't even think the appearance of Bill Clinton could cheer me up
  Australian Christine Smith
Geoffrey Cross from Dunstable was left down-hearted by the entire day.

"It was annoying because it didn't actually rain properly, but when you play on grass, any rain can affect the surface.

"I got the tickets through the public ballot. I'm sure my wife and I will be able to get a full refund because the rules suggested that if there is less than an hour's play that would be the case."

Christine Smith from Australia, but now living in London was unhappy not to have found out who would face her beloved Pat Rafter in the final.

"I was up for Henman - my husband is English so I am obliged," she said.


I really wanted to see Venus try and defend her crown.
  Amanda Vasquez of Florida
"It's a shame they didn't finish the match because I was so looking forward to a conflict with my other half if Henman had got through.

"I don't even think the appearance of Bill Clinton could cheer me up in the end."

The general consensus was much the same throughout Wimbledon.

Australian Christine Smith
Christine Smith: one of many fans frustrated by the weather
On the "Hill", where many hundreds had positioned themselves at the start of the day, people were hoping to see British history being made.

One tennis fan reminded everybody that it was supposed to be the day of the women's final.

"I really wanted to see Venus try and defend her crown. I haven't got time to come here tomorrow, so I guess the TV at my hotel may have to be the best bet," said Amanda Vasquez from Florida.

All in all a disappointing day for all concerned.

And with the news of more rain likely on Sunday, it appears that fans may have to brace themselves for more frustration.

Search BBC Sport Online
News image
News imageNews image
News imageAdvanced search options
News image
Links to top Wimbledon 2001 stories are at the foot of the page.


Links to other Wimbledon 2001 stories

News image
News image
^^ Back to top