Australian Open players grumble about the rain delays

Rain prevented the Australian Open Wednesday from being played on the outside courts, resulting in a scheduling backlog that some players were not happy with.

Although play was scheduled to begin at 11AM (0000 GMT), persistent drizzle means that there won’t be any action until 1pm.

It is followed by torrential rain, intense heat and torrential rainfall on Tuesday. This caused hours of delays and forced the cancellation of a number of matches.

These delayed matches were to begin on Wednesday morning, and the doubles competition was also due to begin.

However, matches in the main stadiums that have roofs could not start on time.

Briton Jamie Murray is a top doubles player, and brother of Andy Murray.

“11 AM start at outside courts. He tweeted that players would arrive between 8 and 8:30 a.m. Schedule released at 1130pm. Unfair.

“Plus, the weather is horrible. Start matches later and give players extra rest/prep time. There are lights!”.

Kirsten Flipkens from Belgium was one of the others to voice concern.

“11:50pm … “11:50pm… She tweeted late Tuesday.

mp/dh