Top players led by angry, frustrated Rafael Nadal served up a major safety complaint at the U.S. Open on a wet Wednesday, with unprecedented protests at being set onto courts to begin play in misting rain in a futile attempt to start fourth-round matches.
Nearly four hours later, officials brought matches back on court after issuing a response to Nadal’s charges.
They also postponed two quarter-finals: Novak Djokovic versus Janko Tipsarevic and Roger Federer facing Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
"All parties, including the players and tournament, want to get the U.S. Open back on schedule. As of noon today, the best information available to us indicated the chance of a two-hour window without rain.
“Unfortunately, not all light rain and mist shows up on radar. We have experienced referees, and they decide if courts are fit for play. Conditions may be not ideal but still can be safe.
“However, if a player or players feel that conditions are unsafe, we listen to them, as we have always done, and the referee uses that information as part of his or her assessment on whether to continue or halt play.” Second seed Nadal, the defending champion, was the most vocal after his match with Gilles Muller was interrupted after 15 minutes by more rain, as he trailed 0-3 with two double-faults in a distracted service game.
“We don’t feel protected,” said the Spaniard, who is vice president of the ATP Player Council headed by Federer. “Players are part of the show, and we should have a voice. We are working hard, and we want to feel good when we are at a tournament.” Nadal, a 10-time Grand Slam winner, said that players “cannot accept” such conditions.
“We have to be together -- that’s the only way to change things,” he said. “I have a big desire to play the US Open, but I don’t feel safe to play in rain. We don’t want to go onto court when it’s raining.” Joining in a discussion behind closed doors with tournament referee Brian Earley was Andy Murray, who was 1-2 in his match against American Donald Young, and Andy Roddick, who was 3-1 up against Spain’s David Ferrer.
Nearly four hours later, officials brought matches back on court after issuing a response to Nadal’s charges.
They also postponed two quarter-finals: Novak Djokovic versus Janko Tipsarevic and Roger Federer facing Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
"All parties, including the players and tournament, want to get the U.S. Open back on schedule. As of noon today, the best information available to us indicated the chance of a two-hour window without rain.
“Unfortunately, not all light rain and mist shows up on radar. We have experienced referees, and they decide if courts are fit for play. Conditions may be not ideal but still can be safe.
“However, if a player or players feel that conditions are unsafe, we listen to them, as we have always done, and the referee uses that information as part of his or her assessment on whether to continue or halt play.” Second seed Nadal, the defending champion, was the most vocal after his match with Gilles Muller was interrupted after 15 minutes by more rain, as he trailed 0-3 with two double-faults in a distracted service game.
“We don’t feel protected,” said the Spaniard, who is vice president of the ATP Player Council headed by Federer. “Players are part of the show, and we should have a voice. We are working hard, and we want to feel good when we are at a tournament.” Nadal, a 10-time Grand Slam winner, said that players “cannot accept” such conditions.
“We have to be together -- that’s the only way to change things,” he said. “I have a big desire to play the US Open, but I don’t feel safe to play in rain. We don’t want to go onto court when it’s raining.” Joining in a discussion behind closed doors with tournament referee Brian Earley was Andy Murray, who was 1-2 in his match against American Donald Young, and Andy Roddick, who was 3-1 up against Spain’s David Ferrer.
“We knew Rafa was going to complain,” said the Scot, 2008 finalist to Federer in the first of three straight New York men’s finals which had to be delayed a day due to rain and the lack of a moveable roof.
“It’s dangerous. The lines get really slippy. Players want to play more than anyone -- but not when it’s raining.” Andy Roddick, winner of his home major in 2003, added his voice to the protest: “It was still misting when we walked out to the courts.
“It’s dangerous. The lines get really slippy. Players want to play more than anyone -- but not when it’s raining.” Andy Roddick, winner of his home major in 2003, added his voice to the protest: “It was still misting when we walked out to the courts.
s-vbs
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