Nadal leads revolt over safety at rain-hit US Open
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Rafael Nadal lashed out at US Open organisers, claiming players' safety was being put at risk in a desperate attempt to make up for lost time at the chaotic, rain-ravaged event.
Defending champion Nadal, world number four Andy Murray and 2003 winner Andy Roddick yesterday joined forces to complain to tournament referee Brian Earley after they were sent out to play on courts that had been battered by almost constant rain.
Their fourth round matches lasted just 15 minutes before they were hauled off as more downpours soaked Flushing Meadows.
Five hours later, all four remaining last-16 matches and two scheduled quarter-finals were cancelled and moved to Thursday as the prospect of a Monday men's final for a fourth successive year edged closer.
Officials were still hoping to complete the four women's quarter-finals later yesterday, spread over four different courts.
"We don't want to go on court if it is raining. I think it's not fair," said 10-time Grand Slam title winner Nadal, whose match had originally been slated for Tuesday before the whole day's schedule was washed out.
The clearly unhappy Spaniard was 3-0 down to Luxembourg's Gilles Muller on a damp Arthur Ashe Stadium when the pair were taken off as conditions deteriorated.
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