A tornado warning was issued for the New York area on Saturday as a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a twister moved over the area, dumping heavy rain to delay the start of play at the US Open.
The storm pushed back the scheduled start of British third seed and London Olympic champion Andy Murray’s men’s semi-final against Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
That match is set to be followed by the other semi-final, defending champion and Serbian second seed Novak Djokovic against Spanish fourth seed David Ferrer.
“Today’s daytime forecast calls for overcast skies with the potential of isolated showers and thunderstorms,” said a US Open official.
“In an effort to complete today’s day session, we plan to begin play as soon as courts are dried. We are monitoring the weather closely.”
In the night session, three-time champion Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka, the world number one, are scheduled to play the women’s final.
Organisers announced that there would be no play until at least before 1215 local time (1615GMT), more than an hour after the scheduled 1100 (1500GMT) start.
The last Grand Slam event of the season has been plagued by bad weather in recent years with the men’s final being played on the Monday four years in succession.
The downpours didn’t dampen everyone’s spirits at Flushing Meadows.
“Supposed to interview James Blake. He’s caught in the traffic & I don’t want to ruin my shoes. tornado warning until 11:30 AM,” tweeted 1979 and 1981 champion Tracy Austin, now working as a TV analyst.
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