Tennis faces washout

The ASB Classic could face a washout today — but fans may not necessarily be left out of pocket.

Rain is expected to lash Auckland for most of the day, with torrential falls in the afternoon and showers continuing into the night.

If the forecast comes to fruition, it’s hard to imagine any play will be possible.

Tournament regulations state that ticket holders are entitled to a 100 per cent refund, if there is less than one hour of play.

That policy was changed last year (it used to be 50 per cent), after the ASB Classic women’s tournament was severely affected by rain, especially in the first two days.

Organisers have already faced weather-induced challenges this week. Only four matches were completed on Monday — with the last match not finishing until 1.20am — which meant an earlier start on Tuesday, and the employment of an extra court normally reserved for practice.

But tournament director Karl Budge ruled out any possibility of matches being shifted indoors.

“We are an outdoor tournament — we won’t play indoors,” said Budge. “We will double up matches (have players play two rounds in a single day) if we have to.”

If there is a flow-on effect over the rest of the week, then the final could, in theory, be moved to Sunday, as happened in 2012, however Budge said that would be a last resort.

Third seed Barbora Strycova was relaxed about the possible disruption to the schedule over the next few days.

“If it’s going to rain, then I have to sit and relax, and think about what I’m going to do, and just keeping my head straight.” — Michael Burgess