Wimbledon 2008, day nine

Venus and Serena Williams prepare to battle against Bethanie Mattek and Sania Mirza for a place in the women's doubles semi-finals Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian

The Williams sisters are forced to leave the court as the weather closes in Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian

A steward shelters under a brolly at an entrance to Centre Court Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian

There's not much to smile about in the stands Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian

Even Mario Ancic is feeling glum, although his misery is being caused by the form of his quarter-final opponent Roger Federer Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian

Federer looks to seize an opportunity on his forehand Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian

Ancic hits a backhand during a brief spell of play before the rain returns Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian

The rain covers are pulled over Court One Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian

Wishful thinking: a fan reaches out to test if the rain has stopped Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian

Marat Safin plays a deft shot in his match with Feliciano Lopez on Court One Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian

Andy Murray feels the pressure during his match with Rafael Nadal on Centre Court Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian

Nadal plays a forehand return during his quarter-final with Murray Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian

Andy Murray looks shell-shocked as he struggles to deal with Rafael Nadal's power Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Guardian