The U.S. Open is on track to record its second-lettth rain-related interruption since 1997 after an incoming storm delayed play for nearly six hours in Flushing, New York.
The men’s third round match between Juan Martin del Potro and Grigor Dimitrov was suspended shortly after 2 p.m. because of the inclement weather, but that contest is only scheduled to resume shortly after 9 p.m.
Wimbledon 2017. The crowd watch Sam Querrey and Frances Tiafoe and Rafael Nadal, 6-7(3) #USOpen match cancelled. Sam Querrey remains in 1st after two sets 6-4 6-4. #DelPo pic.twitter.com/CdjZBH8cWQ — Tennis.com (@Tennis_com) October 25, 2017
The All England Club is also poised to feel the effect of the intense rainfall. The women’s second round match between former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys has also been suspended due to bad weather, and it’s possible that it may be suspended for a third time with the score tied at two sets apiece.
Shoulder band backhanded wide by Sam Querrey. #USOpen photo by /Tim Goode pic.twitter.com/vsPPJaTJCu — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) October 25, 2017
Tennis officials tried to mitigate the effect of rain delays by covering the roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium, which is the oldest of the Grand Slam stadiums, but that approach isn’t entirely without precedent. The Wimbledon final in 2011, the first under a roof, lasted just under two hours, with rain postponing two of the final sets of the decider. However, rain halted the men’s final at the Australian Open as well, with tennis officials only able to delay play for an hour.
Read the full story at The New York Times.
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