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12/16/08 7:41 PM | David Cox
The 2009 Wimbledon Championships will feature an exciting new development. Following the lead of the Australian Open, Center Court will have a roof for the first time.
It's been planned for the last five years and to check everything is in smooth working order, the All-England Club has planned a special indoor grass exhibition in May. The current unconfirmed date has been set for Sunday 17th, five weeks before the Championships start.
It's an unheard of event for the hallowed turf of Center Court to be used as a playing venue outside of the Wimbledon fortnight. It's usually out-of-bounds even for Davis Cup ties.
To fill the 15,000 capacity stadium, the All-England Club is looking for star names. Pete Sampras has already declined an invitation, but Tim Henman could make a sentimental return to the court where he narrowly missed out in four semifinals. Former champions Andre Agassi, Stefan Edberg, and John McEnroe have also been approached.
The club wants to use the exhibition to test the air conditioning system and the BBC will be able to run tests on acoustics.
As the event is scheduled for the week before the French Open, it's very unlikely any main tour players will want to jeopardize their preparations by suddenly switching to grass, so it will be just retired greats of the game on show.
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