New Wimbledon roof used for first time
London, (AFP): The new roof on Wimbledon's Court One was used for the first time on Tuesday -- but for fading light rather than for rain.
A decision was made to shut the roof at 5-5 in the final set of the match between Croatian 22nd seed Donna Vekic and Alison Riske of the United States.
The roof on the 12,000-capacity Court One was operational for the first time at the 2019 championships after three years' work.
The atmosphere around the court changed, with sound echoing much more around the arena.
But the match was over within seven minutes as Riske broke serve and then served for the match, winning it with an ace 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.
"It was a battle and I knew to go into it that was what it was going to be," said Riske.
"I'm just really proud of myself for sticking in there.
"I'm turning 29 tomorrow so this is a good birthday present.
