ANDY MURRAY and Rafael Nadal accused US Open organisers of compromising their safety after a brief but controversial period of play at Flushing Meadows yesterday.
The players finally took to the court around 12.30pm (5.30pm BST) following poor weather that saw the whole of Monday’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.
Murray said: “When we went out on court it was still wet, and the balls too. 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. The players need to feel comfortable.”
