Murray's dismount - The Sun

FANS at Wimbledon were left fuming last night after the screen on "Murray's Mount" was switched off just as the British No1 began his opening match.

Thousands of eager supporters without tickets for the Centre Court contest headed for the grassy verge hoping to see Andy Murray play Spain's Daniel Gimeno-Traver.

But because it was raining tennis chiefs said there was a "health and safety issue" and they feared spectators might slip and hurt themselves.

Outraged fans ended up missing a first set thriller - played under Centre Court's 100million roof - in which Andy, 24, lost 4-6.

He went on to win the next three sets 6-3 6-0 6-0.

A Tannoy announcement about the "Murray's Mount" screen - known before as "Henman Hill" and never switched off before in 20 years - was met by chants of "bloody health and safety".

With play suspended on the outside courts, fans were forced to trudge off home.

One said: "Wimbledon is the only place in the country we can't watch the game.

"We'd been waiting in the rain for most of the afternoon. What a waste of time." But a Wimbledon spokesman said: "The hill has been closed because of the slippery nature of the grass. It is a health and safety issue. We just can't have people falling off the thing and breaking their ankles."

Andy said later of the fans: "It's disappointing for them, I think. Obviously, yeah, when it rains, you know, there's only one court you can watch.

"But I think there are things you learn from having an indoor court for the first time.

"You know, usually, yeah, there's nothing, no tennis to watch or anything. So I'm sure they'll find a way of changing that in the future. " Andy was watched by girlfriend Kim Sears, 22, sitting in the stands and she was seen mouthing "he's fit" when he took his shirt off between games.

a.peake@the-sun.co.uk