Rafael Nadal and Matteo Berrettini make history on Centre Court ahead of Wimbledon

Rafael Nadal and Matteo Berrettini made Wimbledon history at lunch as the duo were allowed to practice for 45 minutes on Centre Court - the first time it has ever happened on the Thursday before the tournament.

The idea came about to try and slightly unsettle the surface on the eve of the 2022 tournament in order to avoid slipping and sliding on the fresh grass. The decision was made following players struggling to stay on their feet during the opening few days over the last few years.

The SW19 courts are perfectly primed for a fortnight of elite tennis action, and the glossy surface often catches people out as they battle in the early rounds. However, the surface gets eventually worn down - but it is a difficult challenge in the opening rounds of the tournament.

Players visibly struggle and renewed attention was placed on the issue last year as megastar Serena Williams fell victim to the Centre Court surface. The seven-time champion - who is one Grand Slam title short of Margaret Court’s record of 24 majors - was unfortunately forced to retire after she lost her footing twice during her first round match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

Williams became the second player in as many matches to retire injured after falling on court, following Adrian Mannarino. The Frenchman slipped while leading Roger Federer and couldn’t continue after his fall.

Both Williams and Mannarino had played under the roof on Centre Court which perhaps worsened the issue as the damp and humid conditions contributed to the slippery surface. Two-time Wimbledon champion and British icon Andy Murray lent his voice to the issue, declaring he found the Centre Court turf particularly slippery during his own early round matches.

“Brutal for