Merton Council has defended its decision to turn away tennis fans camping for tickets to see Andy Murray playing at Wimbledon tomorrow.

Several supporters claimed they were told to leave Wimbledon Park on health safety grounds yesterday (Saturday), ahead of the Scot's first match of the Championship tomorrow.

Hundreds of die-hard fans camp in the park every year, in a bid to get tickets to Center Court on the first day of the tournament.

But Merton Council said fans could only set up camp from 8am today - 24 hours before tickets go on sale.

Dejected punters told national newspapers they were surprised by the decision, as they had previously camped in the park without any problems.

But a Merton Council spokesman said “We understand how eager fans are to get their hands on tickets for Wimbledon.

"We have always allowed people to camp 24 hours before tickets go on sale whilst discouraging people from setting their tents up any earlier - this is no different from previous years.

"This is so regular park visitors and residents aren't disrupted whilst ensuring the championships are a huge success and that spectators can queue for tickets in the park if they wish to.”

Murray, the US Open champion who is bidding to become the first British player to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936, starts his campaign against German Benjamin Becker on Monday.