QUEENS—The 2012 U.S. Open got off to a soggy start Monday, as heavy rains forced a suspension of play an hour and a half after the players first hit the court.
The rain came down just after noon at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, drenching fans, USTA employees and police officers before shutting down play.
The tournament started at 11 a.m. at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. One match was completed before the rain came down, and four matches were completed before play was suspended.
Several more matches however, were interrupted. Women's 9th seed Li Na, for example, was firmly in control of her match against British player Heather Watson, winning the first set 6-2 and leading the second 5-3.
Should play resume Monday, several established names will see action, including Andy Murray, Maria Sharapova, Kim Clijsters and Roger Federer. Clijsters, a three-time women's U.S. Open champion, and Federer, the men's top seed and the favorite in the tournament, are scheduled to be in action Monday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium starting at 7 p.m.
This year's Open features an enhanced food experience for tennis fans. Two new bars, including a champagne bar, will be in service during the tournament. In addition, this year's food menu features several locally-sourced items.
Tickets to the Open are available through Thursday. Prices for Monday's matches range from $65 to $370.
