Wimbledon men's singles champion Novak Djokovic and other high profile stars could be warming up for his title defence on Mitcham Common as a redevelopment means the world-famous venue may not be ready in time.

Officials insisted the work at the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) would not impact on this year's championships but unexpected delays mean alternative locations in Merton are now urgently being considered.

The Wimbledon Guardian has learned one of these is Mitcham Common.

With not long to go until thousands of tennis fans and stars from all over the world descend on the borough, temporary grass courts and some basic tiered seating could be put up on the common.

Refreshment stalls, ticket barriers and thousands of members of support and media staff would all have to be shifted to Mitcham in what has been described as 'a nightmare' by local residents.

A spokesman from the Friends of Mitcham Common said: “This will be a nightmare.

“Mitcham Common will not be able to cope with this kind of intrusion.

“Although we welcome the spotlight coming to the east of the borough, this is unacceptable.”

The AELTC had planning permission granted by Merton Council in December last year for the master plan, which includes a new fixed and retractable roof for court number one, a number of the courts being repositioned as well as planting and landscaping, and the remodelling of competitors’ facilities.

There will be a major new entrance plaza to create a new approach from the north side and Court number 12 will be repositioned with permanent stands and views to Centre Court.

A source said the club had not bargained on it taking so long and have no choice but to move the championships this year.

This summer there was supposed to be 17 of the 19 courts in use but the over-running building work means yet more courts will not be available for Andy Murray or Serena Williams to play on.

A source said developers are planning to dig up Murray Mound and transport it to land near Commonside East to re-create the famous viewing area to keep the championships as authentic as possible.

A spokesman for the AELTC said: “Wherever the championships take place there will be world class tennis and plenty of strawberries and cream.”

To see the plans click here.