Did Rain Disrupt US Open Qualifying While the Roof Saved Mixed Doubles?

Persistent rain has severely disrupted the US Open qualifying rounds, leading to the cancellation of almost all matches scheduled for Wednesday at Flushing Meadows. Only a small fraction of the second-round singles matches were able to commence, prompting organisers to call off the day early. The mixed doubles semi-finals and final, however, will remain unaffected thanks to the protective roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Last updated: 27 September 2023 (BST)

Summary of the Day's Events

• Only 14 out of 64 second-round matches were played due to rain.
• Matches were called off around 16:00 local time (21:00 BST).
• Arthur Ashe Stadium's roof will protect the mixed doubles semi-finals and final.
• British players Jodie Burrage and Jay Clarke managed to start their matches.
• The weather is expected to improve on Thursday, allowing matches to resume.

Impact of Weather on the US Open Qualifiers

The US Open, being the final Grand Slam event on the tennis calendar, has a tight schedule that poses challenges when adverse weather strikes. The rain on Wednesday was particularly disruptive, as only a handful of players were able to compete before the matches were halted. This situation illustrates the unpredictability of outdoor sports and the logistical hurdles faced by tournament organisers.

Mixed Doubles Semi-Finals and Final

Despite the rain affecting singles matches, the mixed doubles semi-finals and final are set to take place as planned. The roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium ensures that players can compete regardless of the weather conditions outside. British men's number one Jack Draper and American partner Jessica Pegula are among the four teams vying for the title, scheduled to begin at 19:00 local time (00:00 BST, Thursday). The inclusion of top players adds excitement to the event, showcasing the high level of talent in mixed doubles.

British Contenders in Qualifying Matches

Among the few matches that did take place, British players Jodie Burrage and Jay Clarke were notable contenders. Burrage, who reached the second round of the main draw in 2023, faced Dutch player Arantxa Rus and was trailing 5-3 when rain interrupted their match after 41 minutes. Clarke, battling against French top seed Arthur Cazaux, also faced challenges before the weather forced them off the court. Many other British players, including Billy Harris, Francesca Jones, Harriet Dart, and Oliver Crawford, were unable to take to the court at all.

Looking Ahead: Qualifying Schedule

With three rounds of qualifying still to be completed, there remains ample time to finish the matches before the main draws commence on Sunday. The tournament's scheduling flexibility is crucial, especially given the unpredictability of weather conditions that are common in late summer.

What’s Next for the Players?

As the weather forecast indicates a clearing on Thursday, players and fans alike are hopeful that conditions will improve, allowing the tournament to proceed smoothly. The anticipation builds not just for the completion of the qualifying rounds but also for the subsequent excitement of the main draw, where the stakes are higher and the competition intensifies.

Conclusion

The rain on Wednesday posed significant challenges for the US Open qualifying rounds, leading to the cancellation of most matches. However, with the forecast looking brighter, players are eager to get back on the court. The mixed doubles event remains a highlight, especially with teams like Draper and Pegula competing. As the tournament progresses, fans and players will be watching closely to see how the weather continues to influence play. Will the British players find success as conditions improve? Only time will tell.

#USOpen2023 #TennisQualifiers #BritishTennis

FAQs

What caused the cancellation of the matches on Wednesday?

Persistent rain led to the cancellation of almost all qualifying matches on Wednesday at the US Open, with only 14 out of 64 matches starting before the decision was made around 16:00 local time.

Will the mixed doubles matches continue as planned?

Yes, the mixed doubles semi-finals and final are protected by the roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium, allowing them to proceed regardless of the weather.

Who are some notable British players in the qualifiers?

British players Jodie Burrage and Jay Clarke were among those who managed to compete before the rain interrupted their matches. Other players like Billy Harris and Francesca Jones were unable to take to the court.

When do the main draws of the US Open start?

The main draws of the US Open are scheduled to begin on Sunday, following the completion of the qualifying rounds.

What does the weather forecast look like for the rest of the week?

The weather is expected to clear up on Thursday, which should allow the qualifying matches to resume and be completed in time for the main draws.