Wimbledon wash-out warning

Sunny: Venus and Serena Williams on Wednesday but rain could disrupt their final tomorrow

Wimbledon was today drawing up plans for the tournament to go into a third week as weathermen warned of a "dreadful" Sunday.

Heavy rain is likely to disrupt the men's final and may lead to a "People's Monday" with up to 15,000 Centre Court tickets for sale on the day.

Showers tomorrow are likely to affect the women's final between sisters Venus and Serena Williams but the Met Office said Sunday would be the worst day of the weekend with rain for most of the afternoon and evening and possible thunderstorms.

If the men's finals does have to be postponed it will be for the last time - next year Centre Court will have a fully retractable roof. The All England Club said everything was in place should play continue into next week. A spokesman said the "vast majority" of tickets would be on sale on the gates on the day.

Supporters would even be able to spend Sunday night camping in Wimbledon Park.

The spokesman said: "We hope it doesn't come to that but if it does we'll be ready. There is a procedure in place. The camp would still be there with the stewarding arrangements in place to cope with the demand."

A Met Office spokesman said: "Today is not looking so bad and you might even get a full day's play. On Saturday showers are likely in the afternoon that could disrupt play. But Sunday is looking like the worst day. There is a high risk of heavy showers and a chance of thunderstorms."

In the mens' semi-finals today, Russian Marat Safin hopes to stop Roger Federer's tilt at a record-breaking sixth consecutive title. German Rainer Schuettler will take on Rafael Nadal for the other slot in the final.

In the girls' semi-finals, 14-year-old Laura Robson takes on Romana Tabakova of Slovakia. Laura is bidding to become the first British junior champion since Annabel Croft in 1984.

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