U.S. Open Saturday Scheduling Backfires As Storm Arrives Early

Inclement Weather Plays Havoc With U.S. Open Scheduling On Saturday

BEST OF A TOUGH SITUATION: In N.Y., Marc Berman wrote the USTA "did the best it could under CBS limitations." Critics of the plan claim that "both matches should've begun at 11 a.m. to assure the finish of both," but USTA officials said that they "didn't want to put their ticket holders in the position of choosing just one match." The scenario "gave the fans a chance to see at least part of Nadal-Murray," but it "backfired because a massive lineup occurred outside Armstrong Stadium after the Federer finish." Berman noted the Federer-Murray men's final will be held tonight, marking just the third time the men's final will be played on Monday (N.Y. POST, 9/7). U.S. Open Tournament Dir Jim Curley: "Clearly when it comes to the integrity of the competition, that has to come first. But there were other considerations, and that would be 23,000 people coming and wanting to see the Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 6 players in the world" (Westchester JOURNAL NEWS, 9/7). Curley: "We have to take into consideration the broadcasters." In Manchester, Lawrence Donegan writes, "In the circumstances, this sounded like the understatement of the tennis year" (Manchester GUARDIAN, 9/8). In N.Y., Phil Mushnick notes CBS Saturday "chose not to show (or even update) any of the Nadal-Murray match, live, not even late in Federer's four-set, semi-blowout win." Mushnick: "CBS should have shown both U.S. Open semis, live. It should have given them its best shot despite unusually difficult but self-evident conditions. CBS could have at least left viewers to appreciate the effort as opposed to wishing one had been made" (N.Y. POST, 9/8).

USTA Announces Plans To Install Retractable Roof At Arthur Ashe Stadium

UNDER REVIEW: In N.Y., Aron Pilhofer notes the Hawk-Eye instant replay system currently is "available only on the two larger show courts," Ashe and Armstrong stadiums. But U.S. Open Tournament Manager David Brewer said that the system "has been so well received, the [USTA] is seriously considering investing $100,000 to add the system next year to a third court -- the Grandstand." Murray: "I'd rather have Hawk-Eye on every single court, but I understand it's very, very expensive" (N.Y. TIMES, 9/8).

Print This Article