Murray leads revolt as rain causes chaos at US Open

Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal accused US Open organisers of compromising their safety after a brief but controversial period of play at Flushing Meadows last night.

The players finally took to the court around 12.30pm (5.30pm BST) following poor weather that saw the whole of Tuesday’s schedule washed out and a delay to the start of play yesterday.

Only the three main courts were able to start, with Nadal facing Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Murray meeting Donald Young on Grandstand and Andy Roddick taking on David Ferrer on Louis Armstrong. But play was only possible for approximately 15 minutes before the rain began falling again. By that point Nadal was already 3-0 down, Roddick led Ferrer 3-1 and Murray and Young were on serve, with the American leading 2-1. It quickly became clear the players were not happy about being asked to play when there was still moisture in the air, and Nadal, Murray and Roddick all went to see tournament referee Brian Earley to complain about the situation.

Defending champion Nadal was particularly strong in his criticism, saying: “They called us on court to start the match and the rain hadn’t even stopped. I understand the fans want to see tennis but the health of the players is the most important and we do not feel protected.

“We want to feel good when we are playing a tournament and we cannot accept these things. We have to fight to change things, to have enough power that we don’t have to go on court when it’s raining. If I have to go on court, I’ll go on court, but I don’t think it’s fair.”

Organisers were keen to get the fourth-round matches involving Nadal, Roddick, Murray and John Isner played because that section of the draw is a round behind.

Murray said: “When we went out on court it was still wet, and the balls too. It was still raining and the back of the court was soaked. It was really, really slippery. Obviously, the players want to play more than anyone but it’s kind of dangerous.

“It doesn’t make sense to get out there for seven or eight minutes and I don’t think that will happen again. I knew that Rafa was going to see [Earley]. I said I would go in and mention it as well, then Andy [Roddick] came. It wasn’t a party.”

Roddick added: “I think if it’s up for discussion, it’s probably not playable. We wanted to make it known we didn’t want to be put in that position again. It probably hits home a bit more when there’s three of us, not just one person being a little bit upset. I understand they need to put tennis on TV but first and foremost the players need to feel comfortable and safe.”

The USTA defended their actions, saying they believed the courts were fit to play on but had agreed to take the players’ concerns into account when they suspended play.

“Conditions may be not ideal, but still can be safe,” the USTA said in a statement.

“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/her assessment on whether to continue or halt play.”

The weather has played havoc at the US Open for the past three years, with the men’s final being held on the third Monday each time, and with the forecast for the rest of the week also poor, that again seems likely.

The disruptions have also reignited the annual debate over why there is no roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium. The centre courts at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon have retractable roofs while organisers of the French Open plan to cover up their main court by 2014.

However, USTA officials have continually baulked at the idea because of the enormous cost of covering Arthur Ashe Stadium, the largest tennis stadium in the world.

Officials estimate the cost would be in excess of $150 million and say the money would be better spent on grassroots tennis programmes.

John and Patrick McEnroe, commenting on ESPN, said the players should be applauded for their actions. “This could be a watershed moment for men’s tennis, women’s tennis as well. Players can get together and effect real change,” said Patrick McEnroe, the former US Davis Cup captain.

John McEnroe, a four-time US Open winner, added: “Major events are more powerful than they’ve ever been and they continue to push around the top players.

“There should be a commissioner of tennis.”