- US Open, Day 10
Nadal and Murray slam US Open officials
Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal have hit out at officials following another rain-hit day at the US Open.
Play has been postponed for the day in the men's section, with just 15 minutes of action possible in three of the fourth-round matches. It is those 15 minutes that have caused so much unrest, with all the men saying play should never have started.
Murray has stated it was still raining when they were told to go out on court, while Nadal claims the players are not being protected by event officials.
"We went out on the court and it was still raining," Murray told ESPN. "The back of the court was soaking wet, the balls were wet too. Everyone I've spoke to mentioned it to the umpire and they were like 'it's fine'.
"But it does not really make sense to be trying to get out for seven or eight minutes and then come back inside. I think that was why everyone was a little disappointed.
"I was speaking to David Ferrer and he was saying the same thing. We were like 'it is dangerous', the lines especially get very slippery. The players want to play but not when it is dangerous."
Nadal cut a disgruntled figure during his time on court, losing the first three games to Gilles Muller, and he said: "We don't feel protected.
"The grand slams is worth a lot of money and we are part of this show. They are just working for that [money] not for us. They know that it is still raining and take us on court. That should be impossible. They dried the court for 45 minutes but the rain never stopped.
"I can understand the fans are there but the health of the players is important and we don't feel protected.
"I don't want to talk about prize money. The players are making enough money, but it is about the concept. A lot of tournaments in the world are struggling, working hard to put on the tournaments. I know the grand slams are important, the biggest tournaments on the tour, but if they don't want to respect the players there is something we must do for the future."
Nadal inferred he may be prepared to go on strike in a bid to find a resolution. He said: "I have had hundreds of meetings. The only way in my experience to change the situation is not only talking. Sometimes to take a drastic position is tough. I don't like to be the rebel, but what I am saying is what I feel is fair."
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