LONDON, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Heavy rain delayed the Wimbledon matches on Saturday as the All England Club faced a complete washout.

Sixteen third round singles matches were scheduled to be played but rain fell persistently in the morning with forecasters predicting the showers to become heavier and prolonged as the day wore on.

However, a Wimbledon spokesman said that a decision on whether or not matches will be rescheduled to the Sunday would not be made until later.

Defending women's champion Amelie Mauresmo was due to open Centre Court action against Italy's Mara Santangelo followed by French Open champion Rafael Nadal taking on Robin Soderling.

Men's 2002 winner Lleyton Hewitt was up against Guillermo Canas of Argentina.

Also due in action were 2004 women's champion Maria Sharapova against Ai Sugiyama with former triple champion Venus Williams facing Akiko Morigami.