A heaving Henman Hill cheered American teenage sensation Cori Gauff to victory as her remarkable Wimbledon run continued.
Security staff prevented fans joining the packed crowd on the sloped area outside No. 1 Court as the finale of her third round match played on the big screen.
Tennis fans leapt to their feet, cheered and applauded after 15-year-old Gauff, known as Coco, fought off two match points to beat Polona Hercog on Friday evening.
Earlier in the day sport and TV stars sitting in the Royal Box on Centre Court hailed the tennis prodigy from Florida who has taken the tournament by storm.
Writer and actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge labelled Gauff a “dreamboat”, while former England cricket captain Alastair Cook described her as “extraordinary”.
Joining them in the Royal Box were ex-Tory leader Lord William Hague, British Olympic rowing champion Dame Katherine Grainger, retired Irish rugby player Brian O’Driscoll and Spice Girls singer Geri Horner.
Fans watching Gauff’s momentous win said the teenager was helping bring inspiration to younger generations.
Marion Glasheen, 55, from Woodford in Ireland said: “She’s the new Venus, the new Serena and she’s so inspiring.
“At 15 years old she’s a role model for all kids.
“Look at Henman Hill, when has it ever been like this since Andy Murray?”
Sarah Farlow, 45, from Thatcham, Berkshire, said: “She’s the same age as my daughter, it’s just amazing.
“I can’t imagine what her parents are going through but they must be so proud.”
Grace Warrington, 27, from Clapham, London, said: “If I were a kid watching her on TV I would probably want to play tennis.”
The excitement of watching Gauff’s win went some way to soothing fans’ disappointment after it was revealed Andy Murray and Serena Williams would not be playing on Friday night.
The grand slam winning duo’s appearance as partners in the mixed doubles competition was highly anticipated, but their match was postponed by officials.
Some disappointed fans learnt of the match cancellation by checking their phones as they sat outside No. 1 Court.
Jack Harrison, 21, from Fulham, west London, said: “We were on court one. It’s not the end of the world for us, we would have liked it if it came on court. We’ve had a good day.”
Ben Hunter, 27, a local Wimbledon resident who queued up in the morning for a grounds pass and chance to watch Murray and Williams on the big screen said he felt “a little bit gutted”.
“It’s a bit of a shame, but you’ve got to think of the players if they’ve got to play big games tomorrow.”
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