Sports Latest
The latest UK & World sports news from the Press Association
Murray: Roof always a tough choice
13:45, Jul 1 2012
Andy Murray feels Wimbledon's Centre Court roof policy is still very much a work in progress.
The world number four was the latest winner in Wimbledon history on Saturday night when he completed his 7-5 3-6 7-5 6-1 victory over Marcos Baghdatis at 11.02pm to move into the fourth round.
Murray said: "With the roof there's always going to be some difficult situations for the tournament director or the referee. Yesterday's match was a perfect example."
The roof has been a real feature of a dramatic first week at the All England Club, with Centre Court covered while Rafael Nadal lost to Lukas Rosol and Roger Federer fought back from two sets down against Julien Benneteau.
It looked very much like Murray would have to come back on Monday to finish the match as the clock reached 11pm, Wimbledon's curfew, but, with the Scot poised to serve for the match, he was allowed to carry on and duly wrapped up victory in a raucous atmosphere.
On Monday, Murray will face Croatia's Marin Cilic, who beat the clock himself on Court Two, completing a five-set win over Sam Querrey that went to 17-15 in the decider. Wimbledon chiefs have come in for criticism for the way they have used the four-year-old roof, particularly on Friday when it was on for the whole day despite there being little rain.
Murray added: "Do we start the match with the roof on so there's no delays? On Friday I think they got criticised quite a lot because it didn't rain at all and the roof was shut the whole day, when it shouldn't have been, because it's obviously meant to be an outdoor event.
"I think that was probably one that they might have made a mistake on. Apart from that, people want to see tennis. If it does rain, having the roof is a huge benefit because there is always guaranteed matches going on."
Things certainly do not get easier from here, with Cilic on an eight-match winning streak on grass. The Croatian also knows what it is like to beat Murray at a grand slam having ousted him in the fourth round of the US Open in 2009, but Murray got his own back the following year when he beat Cilic to reach his first Australian Open final.
The Scot said: "It will be important for me to try to get off to a good start. If you are feeling a little bit tired and you go behind, it can be tough to come back."
Donald's hopes disappear in the cold 22:45, May 23 2013
South Africa's James Kingston claimed the clubhouse lead in the weather-disrupted BMW PGA Championship as Luke Donald's bid for a third straight victory suffered a potentially fatal blow. more
Places on the line as Pietersen lurks 18:45, May 23 2013
Captain Alastair Cook believes the spectre of Kevin Pietersen's return will create healthy competition in England's batting line-up during the second Investec Test against New Zealand. more
UEFA create Europa League incentive 17:45, May 23 2013
Changes to Champions League rules agreed on Thursday could see Europe's top nations having up to five teams in UEFA's top club competition. more
Kingston holds clubhouse lead 17:45, May 23 2013
South Africa's James Kingston claimed the clubhouse lead in the BMW PGA Championship before bad weather caused play to be suspended in the first round at Wentworth. more
O'Grady issues apology 17:45, May 23 2013
European Tour chief executive George O'Grady has issued an apology for using the word "coloured" when defending the decision not to sanction Sergio Garcia for a controversial remark about Tiger Woods. more
Ferdinand targets further trophies 16:45, May 23 2013
Rio Ferdinand has set his sights on winning more silverware under David Moyes after signing a one-year contract extension with Manchester United. more
Rosberg quickest again in Monaco 15:45, May 23 2013
Nico Rosberg is threatening to claim a third successive pole position after twice emerging the quickest man in practice for this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix. more
Bramble confirms Black Cats exit 14:45, May 23 2013
Titus Bramble has confirmed he will be leaving Sunderland when his contract expires at the end of next month. more
Mata hoping for Mourinho return 14:45, May 23 2013
Spanish playmaker Juan Mata would be thrilled to see Jose Mourinho return to Chelsea. more
Martinez future remains unclear 14:45, May 23 2013
The future of Wigan manager Roberto Martinez will not be decided until next week but chairman Dave Whelan is positive about holding on to the Spaniard. more
Rauf withdrawn by ICC 14:45, May 23 2013
Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf has been withdrawn from next month's Champions Trophy by the International Cricket Council following media reports that he is under investigation by Mumbai Police. more
Vettori ruled out of second Test 14:45, May 23 2013
New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori has been ruled out of the second Investec Test against England after he was unable to guarantee his fitness over five days. more
