Wimbledon: Just like old times as rain delays start of the tournament

File image (Source: Reuters)

Murky skies and drizzle could not dampen the enthusiasm of spectators arriving on Monday for the start of the 134th Wimbledon Championships which were cancelled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 protocols mean this year's tournament will look and feel a little different -- but one old Wimbledon tradition remained firmly intact with rain delaying the scheduled 10:00 am GMT start on the outside courts.

Fittingly for the eagerly-awaited return of the tournament, Andy Murray will resume his role as flag-bearer for the home nation with a prime time engagement later on Centre Court.

Welcome back

Reigning champion @DjokerNole returns to Centre Court 715 days on since lifting the #Wimbledon title to face Britain's Jack Draper

Listen live https://t.co/PhW9lk9AeK
Live scores https://t.co/Q1C8cZiyCH pic.twitter.com/6xkB9Mnj7L — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 28, 2021

Whisper it quietly, but it almost feels like old times.

Not quite, though, as Wimbledon, being used as government-approved "pilot event", will be missing some old favourites.

The iconic "queue" for daily entry will not form, Henman Hill will be sparsely populated and fans will not have the thrill of bumping into famous players strolling to the grounds from plush rentals in the Village.

The fans are filing in...#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/kUJ5fkCvmz — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 28, 2021

Players will all be staying in a central London hotel to minimise the risks of COVID-19 infections.

Crowds will be thinner too with attendances limited to 50% of ground capacity, although hopefully rising to full houses on Centre Court for the men's and women's finals on July 10-11.

An opening day on Centre Court with a difference...

A special moment as we say thank you to those who have played such an important role in the response to COVID-19#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/16dW1kQ2nr — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 28, 2021

But after last year's cancellation, the first since the Second World War, excitement is brewing for a fortnight of grasscourt drama, even if there are notable absentees.

Spaniard Rafa Nadal, whose 2008 final win over Roger Federer is part of Wimbledon folklore, is not playing. Neither is reigning women's champion Simona Halep nor Japan's four-times Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.