Grass court season to test new roof in May

The first match in the grass court season will be played under a new retractable roof, which is nearly two months before the Grand Slam at Wimbledon itself.

The event will be held on May 17 to test the new technology, the All England Club said on Tuesday.

The sliding roof will help alleviate Wimbledon’s perennial rain delays. Tickets will be sold to the event, but details have yet to be announced.

“We plan to recreate normal playing conditions,” Wimbledon spokesman Johnny Perkins said.

The Daily Mail newspaper reported that four-time Wimbledon semifinalist Tim Henman, who retired in 2007, may take part in the opening event.

The traditional roof overhang on Centre Court was removed after the 2006 tournament, leaving the grass surface more open to the elements in 2007. The overhang was back in 2008, along with 1,200 extra seats.

Wimbledon will be held June 22-July 5.