Rafael Nadal has spoken out after play briefly went ahead at the inclement US Open yesterday.
The Spaniard has yet to complete his fourth round match against Gilles Muller, trailing 0-3 in the first set after the match got underway yesterday until rain halted proceedings for the second consecutive day.
However, Nadal has stated that the match ought not to have gone ahead at all.
"The decision to go on court when it's still raining is unacceptable in my opinion," he said. "You cannot lie to players, you cannot lie to fans. The fans are a very important part in this show, the players are an important part of this show too. Both of us need a little bit more respect.
"The Grand Slams have too much power, they don't care about the players. I cannot say I don't want to go on court, in my opinion it's too arrogant to say that, but ATP must have enough power to say 'we cannot go on court if it's raining'. We don't have this power - it's something that has to change."
Andy Murray has also complained about the rain's effect on the tournament schedule. He too has managed to complete just three games in the past two days and potentially faces four matches in as many days.
Nadal's match is scheduled to resume this afternoon at 4pm BST.
Dan Saney
