Bad weather stops Wimbledon play

Play will take place on the first Sunday of Wimbledon for only the third time in 118 years after rain caused further major disruption.

The tournament is more than 100 singles matches behind schedule and officials have decided to throw open the doors of the All England Club tomorrow, which is traditionally a rest day.

Wednesday’s play was wiped out and, although organisers caught up on much of the backlog with a full day yesterday, they were forced into decisive action after rain fell steadily for most of today.

Play will start at 11am and 28,000 tickets will be on sale on a first come, first served basis, for what has become known as “people’s Sunday”.