THE true fans of the Wimbledon tennis tournament embraced the event in traditional style today - having queued all weekend to ensure good seats.

Despite heavy rain yesterday and overnight, hundreds of people braved the bad weather long before the first ball had been hit.

Lines of tents encircled the famous ground in south-west London on the first day of the two-week tournament.

First in the queue was Sue Tallaghan, from Tadworth, Surrey, who pitched her Union Flag tent at 10pm on Friday.

Dressed in a Union Flag and patriotic leggings, the 51-year- old housewife said she had arrived this early for 22 years.

"It is the only way you can get great tickets," she said. "I never have much luck in the ballot."

Asked to rate the chances of Tim Henman, Britain's top player, of winning, she said: "I am really hoping. I say this every year. I'm sure everybody wants him to do it, not just me.

"But it might just happen as he's playing a lot better and he has changed his game."

In a reference to the effects of fatherhood on Henman, she added: "He has got a bit more weight on him. It must be all that baby food."

By 6am the campers were packing away their tents, stoves and tarpaulins.