Why does the US Open not cover the courts during Rain Delays??

[svijk]

I have had the misfortune of being at the US Open couple of years when there were some huge rain delays on the days I was attending...

Wimbledon and Roland Garros cover their courts for obvious reasons but I don't understand why the US Open can't do the same even though its courts are concrete.

Here's what happens at the US Open. When play is called off due to rain the courts remain uncovered. Once it stops raining an army of people including the ball kids dry the court with blowers, towels and and mops. This process takes up atleast half an hour after which play begins and can repeat several times in a day depending on how often it rains.

If they covered the court and drained the water similar to Wimbledon, play can begin much sooner saving some scheduling hassles. Apart from that, the staff can be spared some unecessary work and the paying spectators can get better value for the time they spend at Flushing Meadows.

any similar experiences???

 

[yanjonm]

I think it has to do with the surface. Clay and grass both absorb and retain moisture like a sponge, but wet hard courts can easily evaporate (given sun).

However, I do agree with you that there should be a tarp that covers the courts, saving precious playing time.

 

[djsiva]

I have had the misfortune of being at the US Open couple of years when there were some huge rain delays on the days I was attending...

Wimbledon and Roland Garros cover their courts for obvious reasons but I don't understand why the US Open can't do the same even though its courts are concrete.

Here's what happens at the US Open. When play is called off due to rain the courts remain uncovered. Once it stops raining an army of people including the ball kids dry the court with blowers, towels and and mops. This process takes up atleast half an hour after which play begins and can repeat several times in a day depending on how often it rains.

If they covered the court and drained the water similar to Wimbledon, play can begin much sooner saving some scheduling hassles. Apart from that, the staff can be spared some unecessary work and the paying spectators can get better value for the time they spend at Flushing Meadows.

any similar experiences???

Interesting?

What do they do in the Australian?

 

[Fee]

Condensation under the covers and no drainage on the sides of the courts. Better to just leave them and then dry them when the rain stops. (At least according to an answer from a USTA official provided some time in the last few years and posted here in a previous thread on this same topic).