Safety worries for Murray and Nadal

Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal accused US Open organisers of compromising their safety after a brief but controversial period of play at Flushing Meadows on Wednesday.

The players finally took to the court around 12.30pm (5.30pm BST) following poor weather that saw the whole of Tuesday's schedule washed out. It soon became clear the players were not happy about being asked to play when there was still moisture in the air, and Nadal, Murray and Roddick all went to see tournament referee Brian Earley to complain.

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."

Roddick added: "I think if it's up for discussion, it's probably not playable. We wanted to make it known we probably didn't want to be put in that position again.

"It probably hits home a little bit more when there's three of us, not just one person being a little bit upset. I understand they need to put tennis on TV but first and foremost the players need to feel comfortable and safe."

The weather has played havoc at the US Open for the past three years, with the men's final being held on the third Monday each time, and, with the forecast for the rest of the week also poor, that again seems a distinct possibility.