Rain looked set to cause major disruption to the women’s quarter-finals at Wimbledon on Tuesday.

There was no threat to the Centre Court action, where the roof was closed ahead of the start of play.

But action on Court One, where two of the women’s last-eight match were on the programme, was delayed.

The match between Spain’s Garbine Muguruza and Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova had been due to begin at 1pm, but a heavy shower arrived at 12.55pm and covers were on the court at the scheduled start time, with umbrellas up in the stands.

With more rain expected through the afternoon, there was the prospect of a frustrating day ahead for players and spectators.

Magdalena Rybarikova and Coco Vandeweghe were billed to play the second match on the All England Club’s second largest show court.

The cover was pulled off the court at 1.10pm, however dark clouds in south-west London indicated there was the likelihood of stop-start action.A retractable roof is under construction and will be in place on Court One in time for the 2019 championships.

Muguruza and Kuznetsova made their way towards court, and gently limbered up inside. Rain returned arrived soon after 1.20pm and meant the covers were again hauled over the playing surface.

Play began at 1.49pm as the rain eased off. The pair got through the first set, which went the way of Muguruza, without any further delays.