Tennis legends Graf and Agassi try out Wimbledon’s retractable roof
Published: 18 May, 2009, 12:12
Andre Agassi (R) and Steffi Graf (L) during their mixed doubles match on the Centre Court (AFP Photo / Glyn Kirk)
The All England Club tried out the new retractable roof at centre court ahead of the upcoming grand slam, with a nice treat for the fans of the game.
Kim Clijsters and Tim Henman went up against the husband and wife pairing of Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi, who between them boast 30 Grand Slam singles titles.
Boris Becker was one of those on hand to see the new roof for himself.
The first of the three matches saw Henman and Clijsters take on Graf and Agassi, with the husband and wife team coming out on the losing side.
Fifteen-thousand tennis fans had snapped up the chance to see these former stars take part.
In the other games, Agassi got the better of home favorite Henman, while Clijsters was too good for Graf.
“I might ask for that wild card again, you know, I just might. No, but I just didn't want it to stop, it was great. And you guys [spectators]… it was unbelievable being out here. Thank you,” Steffi Graf said.
Despite measuring 5,200 square meters and weighing 1,000 tons, it takes a little under ten minutes to close the roof, meaning rain should never again stop play at Wimbledon.
The 2009 Wimbledon tournament kicks off on June 22.
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