There’s not a tennis fan out there who would wish rain upon a tournament. Bright skies, mild temperatures, minimal breeze and low humidity add up to perfect conditions for players and spectators. However, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m looking forward to the first patch of showers to pass through Flushing Meadows at this year’s U.S. Open. Although the wet weather could muddy up the schedule, who doesn’t want to see the new retractable roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium in action?
As we’ve witnessed over the past several years, rain in late-summer New York City is virtually inevitable. Having cover on the main show court of the U.S. Open adds a necessary yet impactful element to the tournament. Players may start outside in blustery conditions before a storm forces the roof closed, resulting in a calmer environment that completely changes the complexion of the match.
And since it’s brand new, there’s no way of telling how the roof will affect play. The moisture in the air, acoustics, crowd noise and lighting could all be in stark contrast to when the stadium is
uncovered. There’s precedent: I don’t know if it’s the uniqueness of grass courts, but when the retractable roof on Wimbledon’s Centre Court is closed, it feels like an entirely different arena.
From a scheduling standpoint, the roof also offers assurance that play will commence during bad weather—at least for those players fortunate enough to be scheduled on Ashe. The indecision presented by rain plays head games with players who are unsure when to get to the courts, eat and warm up. Now it’s much less of a factor, especially during the important rounds at the end of the tournament’s second week.
The roof also gives broadcasters and fans continuous live action instead of rain-delay chit-chat and reruns. Somewhere, Aaron Krickstein is breathing easy that he won’t have to relive another agonizing showing of his five-set defeat to a 39-year-old Jimmy Connors.
Between Serena Williams’ quest for Slam No. 23, Novak Djokovic going for his third major of the season and the roof—just a little rain will do—there’s bound to be history made at the Open.