Wimbledon final resumes under roof (From Times Series)

Wimbledon final resumes under roof

5:05pm Sunday 8th July 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

Andy Murray and Roger Federer have continued their match under the safety of the Centre Court roof after rain stopped play at Wimbledon.

The pair resumed the historic final after a brief delay to close the roof, pushing the score to 3-2 to Federer.

The pair were previously forced to break at one-set-all and one game each.

Murray is hoping to make history, becoming the first British man to win the Wimbledon men's singles since Fred Perry 76 years ago.

The rain had held off for the first two sets - Murray took the first to rapturous applause, but Federer fought back to win the second. But two games into the third set the rain returned to SW19 and the covers had to be pulled on.

The day started with rain but fans refused to be deterred - heading to the All England club with their wet-weather gear.

It cleared up in time for the start of the historic match but the dry spell lasted just two hours before the rain returned, prompting a sea of umbrellas to be put up on both Centre Court and Murray Mount, where thousands of fans gathered to watch.

Centre Court was electric for the match - with the 15,000 supporters including the Duchess of Cambridge and sister Pippa Middleton who had front row seats in the Royal Box for the clash, excitedly talking and clapping during the games.

Prime Minister David Cameron put his hand to his mouth in shock at one point as he watched intently. England football star David Beckham and wife Victoria were also in the box for the match.

The 25-year-old was also watched tensely by "Team Murray", including mother Judy, father Will and girlfriend Kim Sears, as well as coach Ivan Lendl, in the players' box. Murray's hitting partner and good friend Dani Vallverdu was seen on the front row of the players' box, rising to his feet at one point.