Ran Into A Rainstorm: Nadal Leads Criticism Of Wimbledon

Nadal Among Those Upset Wimbledon Took Day Off Despite Rain Delays

Rafael Nadal, whose third-round match at Wimbledon was stretched over five days by rain delays, yesterday “led a disgruntled chorus of top players in criticising the tournament’s decision not to schedule play on the middle Sunday despite the foul weather which has blighted this year's championships,” according to Bierley & Preston of the Manchester GUARDIAN.  Nadal: “I didn't understand why we didn't play on Sunday when the weather was much better than on Monday and Tuesday.  Also I didn't understand why they cancelled the play so early on Tuesday when there was one hour's sunshine later.  That's very tough for the players."  Novak Djokovic called it a "bad decision" not to play on Sunday, saying, “They knew the forecast for this week is going to be bad, is going to be a lot of rain.”  NBC’s John McEnroe added tournament organizers “put themselves in this situation.  There's been some bungled scheduling.  I can't see how they're going to get it finished by Sunday” (Manchester GUARDIAN, 7/5).

RAIN DELAY: In Manchester, Paul Kelso reports the All England Club will install new screens and scoreboards “in time for next year’s championships to better entertain and inform crowds during rain delays” (GUARDIAN, 7/5).