Gilles Simon has heated exchange with umpire over Wimbledon conditions

30 June 2016 01:53

Gilles Simon ensured the weather remained a talking point on day four of Wimbledon as he threatened to sue umpire John Blom.

After the rain washed out large chunks of days two and three of the Championships, better conditions ensured a prompt start on Thursday.

But when drizzle passed over the All-England Club just after 1.30pm, Simon - on Court One against Grigor Dimitrov - was unhappy with having to play on.

At 40-30 down in the second game of the second set, he walked to his chair and exchanged words with Blom, clearly about the weather.

"I don't want to play, when it's raining, on grass. That's it," he was heard saying, before adding: "If I play and get injured, I will sue you and you will pay."

Dimitrov returned to his seat too but the weather soon passed over and the pair resumed their second-round clash.

Amongst those to finish their last-64 clashes early on Thursday were the 11th-ranked David Goffin, winning in three sets against Edouard Roger-Vasselin, and Great Britain's Dan Evans who beat Alexandr Dolgopolov 7-6 (8/6) 6-4 6-1.

Sam Querrey also eased past Thomaz Bellucci for the loss of nine games, while Roberto Bautista Agut got a walkover when Mikhail Kukushkin withdrew injured.

Bautista Agut is now the highest-ranked Spaniard in the draw after David Ferrer was knocked out.

The 13th seed was a surprise casualty, losing in straight sets to Nicolas Mahut 6-1 6-4 6-3.

Because of the inclement weather, plenty of first-round games - normally put to bed by Tuesday - were also ticked off.

Amongst them, Donald Young beat Florian Mayer, Lucas Pouille saw off Marius Copil and Australian qualifier Matthew Barton won a deciding set with Albano Olivetti 14-12.

John Isner also finished his first-round match against Marcos Baghdatis, a clash which did not start until after champion Novak Djokovic had already booked a place in the third round.

"It's not a great feeling when you're going out there and playing, finishing your first round when some guys are already in the third round," the American said.

"A lot of players are on the grounds playing their second round. But I guess that's just how it goes sometimes. It's all good."

Source: PA