Wimbledon chiefs will continue to resist suggestions that a sliding roof should be installed over Centre Court even though the possibility of a rain-wrecked second week has been raised again by the washout of the championship's eighth day.

Such a facility, already established at Melbourne Park, the home of the Australian Open, and in Halle, Germany, where top tournaments include the prestigious Gerry Weber Open, would cost upwards of £20 million.

But it is not the cost which concerns the All-England Club who remain confident they will complete this year's championships on time even though rain, for a third consecutive day after the first five of almost continuous sunshine, bitterly frustrated unlucky fans.

Having paid £42 a ticket yesterday fans will get a full refund.