BEWILDERED tennis fans have demanded a refund after rain stopped play at a prestigious tennis tournament on a court that was built with £100,000 of public money to keep the rain out.
About 2500 spectators were left disappointed after paying up to £100 each to see the likes of former Wimbledon winners John McEnroe and Goran Ivanisevic at the Brodies Champions of Tennis event in Edinburgh.
Organisers had claimed in pre-tournament publicity that the purpose-built court at Edinburgh Academicals was the first "temporary covered tennis court featuring a bespoke canopy ensuring that rain will not stop play".
However, only six points were played before play was suspended for almost four hours after a heavy shower.
Eventually, as the deadline for the tournament to finish neared at 6pm, two sets were played before play was abandoned because of light drizzle.
McEnroe played one set of his contest, whereas Ivanisevic, the 2001 Wimbledon champion, never even started his match.
Property administrator Ruth Davis, who attended the event, said: "I was very disappointed. We were led to believe the tennis would be going on whatever the weather. The canopy was just not fit for the purpose. It was too narrow and too short."
Sarah Reay, an Edinburgh scientist, said there were also problems with the seating at the tournament and that it was possible to see only half the court from her vantage point.
She added there was a lack of information during the rain-hit period. "In the three-hour period of no-play what was most frustrating was the total lack of information.
"People understandably got angry and formed a crowd round the fenced-off management area but staff just stood metres away, looking at people. They didn't come to speak, to apologise, to soothe or reassure."
Lesley Anderson posted on Facebook: "I had to take my grandmother home at 5pm as there was no news of restarting and she was cold and wet. [It was] obvious very quickly the canopy was unsuitable."
Another fan, Susan Glendinning, said it was "a complete rip-off" and urged the organisers to give full refunds.
Ralph Pringle summed up the mood when he said: "I hope the organisers are inundated with the words of a once infamous brat [McEnroe]: 'You cannot be serious.'
The venue was built with £100,000 from EventScotland, a subsidiary of the national tourism agency, VisitScotland, and Edinburgh City Council.
The inaugural event saw veteran tennis stars playing matches until Sunday evening. Also there were Mark Philippoussis, Wayne Ferreira, Mikael Pernfors and Carlos Moya.
But the biggest draw was three-time Wimbledon winner John McEnroe, who also played in a doubles match with Tim Henman.
A spokeswoman for the organisers said: "We were assured the roof, which was designed specifically for this event, would allow play to continue in wet conditions.
"However, the canopy has proven to be inadequate in the very wet and blustery weather and we are hugely disappointed in its performance. We will be looking into the reasons for this in consultation with our contractors."
She said any possible legal action would be a question for the tournament director after the event. She could not say if there would be any refunds.
Steve Cardownie, deputy leader of City of Edinburgh Council and Festivals and Events Champion, said: "It was disappointing that play was delayed yesterday and it is important the event organisers learn from this.
"However, the crowd showed great patience and were rewarded with a fantastic exhibition of tennis."
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