Rains in New York ... No problem
Weather predictions suggest extensive use of the new retractable roof at the US Open Arthur Ashe Stadium
Novak Djokovic won’t mind if it rains for the next two weeks in New York.
The US Open’s Arthur Ashe Stadium is now covered by a retractable roof. And based on his experiences at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, which already have one, the 12-time major champ expects more humid conditions once the panels slide shut — which make for a slower court.
“It allows returners like myself to get into the rally rather than seeing missiles pass by from the serves,” Djokovic said.
He added with a chuckle: “I wouldn’t complain, honestly, to play an indoor US Open throughout the whole two weeks.”
The world’s top-ranked player insisted he won’t wake up every morning praying for rain, and his stellar return game certainly doesn’t need much help. Roger Federer, sidelined by a knee injury, also predicted this week that the roof will aid Djokovic. The Serb began the defence of his US Open title yesterday night on Ashe.
The approximately $150 million project to construct a roof over Ashe features an air management system and sliding shutters that seal the stadium, designed to try to minimise the humidity Djokovic so enjoys.
US. Tennis Association officials say tests have shown little difference in the conditions open or closed, but the proof will come once matches are first held under the roof.
When that will be is for Mother Nature to determine. Wimbledon champ Andy Murray — who has played in two Monday US Open finals because of weather delays — couldn’t help but quip: “I’ll bet it doesn’t rain this year.”
Quickly change
Indeed, the extended forecast as of Sunday showed little chance of rain for the tournament’s first week, though of course that can quickly change.
The US Open has two meteorologists on site at all times who use proprietary software to track the likelihood of storms. They’re located next door to the scheduling room for quick communication.
On some occasions when inclement weather is possible, the shutters around the stadium’s upper bowl will start to close and the air management system will be activated to be ready in case the roof needs to be shut. The tournament referee makes the final call.
It takes about seven minutes for the roof to close, and if the court is dry, tournament director David Brewer said, the overall delay won’t be much longer than that. The players won’t leave the court during the process.