US Open organisers defend women's semi-final decision

US Open organisers have defended the decision to put the women's semi-final between Samantha Stosur and Angelique Kerber on the Grandstand Court, the tournament's third show court.

The decision caused outrage amongst players and the WTA after scheduling chaos due to rain prompted event officials to move the women's semi-finals to Saturday night and the final to Sunday.

In contrast, the men's semis will also be played on Saturday night, but the victors will be given an extra day's rest for their Monday final.

"Numerous factors needed to be considered for the rescheduling of the remaining four days of the 2011 US Open," read a statement issued by the US Tennis Association.

"These factors included programming for US Open ticket holders, competitive fairness for players, and the existing television windows for the tournament."

The second semi-final between Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki will be played in Arthur Ashe Stadium.