Seven British singles players remain at Wimbledon after Wednesday saw fan favourites Sir Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu endure devastating defeats.
Centre Court supporters said they were saddened to see the Scot and British women’s No.1 leave the competition so early, and speculated that the day of disappointment could drive attendance figures down. Crowds have been sparser than expected at this year’s Championships, spectators say partly due to coronavirus fears, rainy weather and the rising cost of living.
The Met Office has warned of more rainy weather on the way, with “cloud bubbling up with isolated heavy showers developing” over the south-west London venue on Thursday afternoon. And Richard Evans, 32, from Peckham, south-east London, said that major British losses meant Wimbledon officials are “going to struggle to get people here” in the coming days.
