THOUSANDS of tennis fans have missed out on the chance to see legends like John McEnroe and Tim Henman on court for a second year in a row after organisers failed again to provide a weather-proof stage.

Last year's Brodies Champions of Tennis tournament in Edinburgh, which attracted 2,500 fans, was cancelled when a roof let rain on to the court.

This year, organisers Serve and Volley Ltd, based in the city, has said it could not build its own design and called the event off with just over a day to go.Pulling out of the contest, which had also attracted Goran Ivanisevic, has plunged Serve and Volley into voluntary liquidation and left sponsor Brodies facing a significant loss. Legal firm Brodies would not say how much could be lost but said it will refund fans who cannot claim through Serve and Volley or their credit card companies.

The three-day event was due to start tomorrow in Stockbridge with McEnroe and Henman top of the bill.

Last year just six points were played before play was suspended for almost four hours. McEnroe played one set of his contest, while Ivanisevic never started his match. It is unclear how many tickets had been bought but sales were thought to have been strong.

A spokesman for Serve and Volley said it had revised the design of the roof covering the court to provide better weather protection.

He said: "This resulted in a unique and complex design, which required specialists to manage and oversee the build. Due to unforeseen circumstances the specialist team have been unable to facilitate the build and despite extensively investigating all alternative options we have not been able to secure a solution."

Information on refunds from Serve and Volley will be available on the company's website from today.

A spokesman for sponsor Brodies also said it would put detailed information on its website from today.