Leaf blowers were used to dry the surface of Center Court during the Djokovic game

A light drizzle ensured the pitch was covered and then the roof opened after Djokovic finished the opening set 6-3, but unlike first place, play then did not resume as planned.

Djokovic and Cachin came out to inspect the turf but the defending champion was clearly unhappy with the slippery surface and they headed back to the dressing room.

Novak Djokovic wipes the floor with a towel (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Djokovic then reappeared with a towel, which he rubbed across the pitch to laughter from the crowd, before ground staff members tried to dry the surface with leaf blowers.

When the rain stopped, play had not resumed and it was decided to reopen the Center Court roof ahead of the second set.

Play eventually resumed with a delay of almost 90 minutes.