To Roof or Not to Roof: Wimbledon Rules Cause More Confusion

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To Roof or Not to Roof: Wimbledon Rules Cause More Confusion

By Erik Gudris

Photo Credit: Getty Images

(July 2, 2012) If you are confused by the policy on when the roof for Centre Court should be closed, you're not the only one as even Wimbledon officials appear a bit befuddled on the best policy to use as the second week of play commences at the All-England Club.

While official policy states that Wimbledon is an outdoor sporting event and thus all matches on Centre Court should be played with the roof open unless during good weather it is too dark to see, as was the case last year, changing weather conditions and matches stretching well into the late evening are once again forcing officials to review their policy on an hourly basis and not always with popular results.

Rafael Nadal, who many feel was significantly put at a disadvantage when the roof was closed because of fading light after he won the fourth set against Lukas Rosol thus putting a halt to Nadal's momentum in their second round match that he ultimately lost, was vocal with his displeasure at the decision. "For sure wasn't the best decision for me. But that's what it is and I accept. I am very, very disappointed. Sure, I not very happy.”

Even today during the Roger Federer versus Xavier Malisse fourth round match, many were dismayed that the roof was not closed after a near hour long rain delay occurred after the first set. Though the rain ended and Federer won the match with the roof still open, officials chose only to finally close the roof when a second rain delay disrupted the Victoria Azarenka versus Ana Ivanovic match that followed.

Novak Djokovic, who won his early round match against Radek Stepanek last week while playing under the roof despite it being a clear, sunny day outside also joined the chorus of players questioning the exact timing of when the roof is used.

"This is an outdoor tournament, so I think everybody wants to play when the roof is open," said the Serb. "I was a little bit surprised when I saw sunshine but that the roof is closed. But obviously they're relying on the forecast that I don't think is very reliable here. It's hard to judge because there are rules that have been there for years. It's not on us to decide if the roof is going to be open or closed. But from a players' perspective, I think it's really important that people from the organization and everybody take the opinion of the players very seriously."

As rain continues to affect play all over the grounds of the All-England Club, don't be surprised if the opening or closing of the Centre Court roof ends up playing a small but possibly pivotal role in determining this year's champions.

To read the official rules on the use of the Centre Court roof, go here.