The Roof, The Roof, The Roof Is On Fire

Just started raining here at Wimbledon, and the Safina-Mauresmo match is in a delay. As soon as the tarp was brought out, the fans went nuts, presumably hoping for the roof to be closed for the first time.

After a couple minutes of contemplating, it looks like they'll get their wish. It takes 8 minutes to close, and then another 15-20 for an airflow system to suck all the moisture out of the air before they can resume play.

It's 4:40 right now. We'll see when they start it up again. Stay tuned.

UPDATE - 4:47: Roof just closed and people cheered even louder. Tarp is off. Now they're on the clock for the airflow.

UPDATE - 4:49: Turn on NBC right now. Airing a feature about the roof cut by Matt Marvin in a couple minutes.

UPDATE - 4:57: The players are still in the training room. Only a matter of time before the fans start doing the wave. Kill me.

UPDATE - 5:01: Word is the players will be out in 9 minutes, at 5:10. Or 10 past, as they say here.

UPDATE - 5:02: BBC just showed about 5 different fans taking a nap. I guess staring at an empty court for 20 minutes would be a bit boring.

UPDATE - 5:07: Line judges are making their way back.

UPDATE - 5:12: Mauresmo and Safina are back on the court. Of course, the tarps are off all the side courts and the rain has stopped.

UPDATE - 5:19: Play resumes. Nearly a 40 minute delay. We'll let you know what they do for the rest of the day, including the Murray match. Would assume they keep it closed the rest of the day.

-Matt Casey