For the first time ever, shoppers were able to watch all the action for free as big screen and deck chairs were set up in the town centre.

Dozens of passers-by settled down to watch British number one Andy Murray as he comfortably beat German Benjamin Becker in his first game on Monday thanks to the initiative from Love Wimbledon.

Balloons, flowers and decorated shop fronts also greeted town centre visitors while supermarket Morrisons got into the spirit re branding itself ‘Murrisons’ in support of the British hopeful.

Helen Clark Bell, manager of Wimbledon Business Improvement District, said: "Residents and workers in Wimbledon are going to be celebrating with the many tennis goers this year, we are keeping our fingers crossed for a Andy Murray final and Laura Robson to do really well.

"It’s great to really celebrate the tennis and visitors who go to the tennis through Wimbledon will see our centre going tennis crazy."