LONDON, June 25 - Rain delayed the start of Wimbledon by at least half an hour on day one of the championships on Monday.

The grasscourt grand slam is expected to be badly disrupted with showers forecast for much of the opening week.

Former women's champion Martina Hingis was among the players whose first round matches were delayed by the showers over southwest London.

Weather permitting, defending men's champion Roger Federer will open Centre Court proceedings at 1200 GMT.