LONDON: Never again will Wimbledon stage a men's final such as last year's rain-soaked epic, in which Rafael Nadal ended Roger Federer's five-year reign, as dusk fell over London.

The contest which finished in near-darkness, thanks to two rain breaks, will be consigned to Wimbledon folklore, as the All England Club prepares to unveil its newest innovation - a translucent retractable roof over Centre Court - when the grasscourt Grand Slam begins on Monday.

Never again, promise organisers, will Centre Court ticket holders go away from the championships disappointed that they did not catch any tennis because the British rain gods decided to play spoilsport. "People have a lifetime ambition to get a seat ticket here at Centre Court, and I always feel terribly sorry for them when it rains and they miss it," All England Club chief executive Ian Ritchie said.

While the roof will keep 15,000 visitors happy on a daily basis, the other beneficiaries will be themillions of global television viewers who will be guaranteed live action fromWimbledon almost every day - come rain or shine.

To do that, Wimbledon has erected a 1,000-tonne concertina structure over the Centre Court, which unfurls at 20cm a second.

It takes seven to nine minutes for the two sections of the translucent roof to lock together and turn the court into an indoor arena, complete with bright floodlights, meaning that matches will be played to the finish and not suspended overnight.

"All the players are excited to see how it's going to work, especially with the lighting and having 15,000 people in a stadium," said Federer.

"We appreciate it very much that Wimbledon has gone forward by mixing innovation and tradition."

Some critics have suggested that building a roof over such an iconic structure goes against the spirit of a tournament which prides itself for upholding traditions, such as implementing a predominantly-white dress rule on competitors.

Mr Ritchie disagreed, saying: "Our guidelines are very clear; playing on grass, white clothing and no overt advertising.

"But, if you are staging a global event, you need to move with the times and, if that means we are able to offer live tennis, I think that is a huge plus point."

However, there is one scenario that could stop play altogether on the grounds - if it rains non-stop for four or five days.

Otherwise, it's time to let the show begin.

- REUTERS