Murray delayed by rain again

Andy Murray's fourth-round match against Donald Young at the US Open was again cancelled because of rain on a day that saw the British number one and Rafael Nadal accuse tournament organisers of compromising their safety.

Unlike Tuesday, when no play was possible, three matches did begin at lunchtime involving Murray, Nadal and Andy Roddick.

But they lasted only around 15 minutes before the rain returned.

The wet weather continued all afternoon in New York, prompting organisers to cancel all the men's fourth-round matches, but they are still hopeful the women's quarter-finals will be played in the night session.

Earlier in the day Murray and Nadal had accused US Open organisers of compromising their safety after a brief but controversial period of play at Flushing Meadows.

Defending champion Nadal was particularly strong in his criticism, telling ESPN: "They called us on court to start the match and the rain hadn't even stopped. I understand the fans want to see tennis but the health of the players is the most important and we do not feel protected. We want to feel good when we are playing a tournament and we cannot accept these things."

He added: "We have to fight to change things, to have enough power that we don't have to go on court when it's raining. If I have to go on court, I'll go on court, but I don't think it's fair."

Organisers were particularly keen to get the fourth-round matches involving Nadal, Roddick, Murray and John Isner played because that section of the draw is a round behind.

Murray said: "When we went out on court it was still wet, and the balls too. It doesn't make sense to get out there for seven or eight minutes and I don't think that will happen again.

"I knew that Rafa was going to see (Earley). I said I would go in and mention it as well, then Andy (Roddick) came. It wasn't a party."