Slam stays open-air despite Murray's roof epic

"Andymonium" reigned supreme at Wimbledon as fans of newly crowned "King of The Night" Andy Murray threatened to blow the new roof off Centre Court.

But Wimbledon officials were quick yesterday to stress after Murray's epic night marathon that the world's most famous tennis tournament would always be a daytime, open-air event.

The British third seed got a standing ovation from 15,000 screaming fans who leapt to their feet whenever he struck a winner in his titanic five-set victory over Stanislas Wawrinka.

Wimbledon spokesman Johnny Perkins, reflecting on Murray's gladiatorial fourth-round battle said: "The only danger to the roof was that it could have been blown off by the crowds."

London's transport system was suddenly confronted late at night with thousands pouring onto the streets in search of a bus or a train.

"A lot of people descended on the system when not expected. This will not be a regular experience," Perkins told Reuters.

"This is not the start of regular night shifts. This is not the US or the Australian Open. We are conscious we are in a residential area. We need to think of our neighbours," he said.

Murray thought Wimbledon should stay a daytime tournament.

"You can't really do it. I don't think for the outside courts and stuff. They can't play because of the dew and they don't have floodlights. I like it being a day event."