Vaidisova defeats Mauresmo

WIMBLEDON, England - Claps of thunder and streaks of lightning accompanied Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova off tiny Court 3 after they managed to play all of three points at Wimbledon on Tuesday.

As they headed to their lockers, the drizzle became a downpour, sending everyone scurrying in a dash for cover: players toting racket bags, officials wearing blue blazers, spectators cradling cups of strawberries.

At least Williams, Sharapova and others whose matches were suspended - including 2006 runner-up Rafael Nadal, tied 4-4 in the fifth set of a match originally slated for Saturday - know they will play another day at the All England Club.

Not Amelie Mauresmo. Outplayed and unnerved by someone a decade younger, Mauresmo walked off Centre Court with head bowed and nary a wave to the crowd, her title defense done in the fourth round.

Mauresmo's 14 double-faults and shanked shots led to her departure, as did the big-hitting Czech teen Nicole Vaidisova, who reached her first Wimbledon quarterfinal with a 7-6 (6), 4-6, 6-1 victory halted three times by rain.

"Everything," Mauresmo said, "went wrong today."

That sentiment was shared by tournament organizers, confronted with a growing backlog of matches: 177 total, including 13 in singles.

"It's ghastly. It's a serious situation and one of great concern," tournament referee Andrew Jarrett said. "We will endeavor to complete the championships on time."

A retractable roof is coming to Centre Court - but not until 2009. So play has been delayed, suspended or stopped by rain on seven of eight days so far - with light showers predicted for today.