A combination of rain and the US Open’s ridiculous scheduling meant Andy Murray and Roger Federer could only sit and watch as Rafael Nadal put down an impressive marker here.
While the opening day of the Grand Slam saw the Spanish second seed register a 16th successive hard-court victory this year — easily seeing off world No97 Ryan Harrison, of America, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 — there was frustration for Federer and Murray.
Federer had his match held over until today due to persistent rain while Murray was restricted to practice court sessions as he will not open the defence of his title until tomorrow — and it looks certain he will be the night match to satisfy the demands of television.
Tournament organisers insist on spreading the best first-round men’s matches over the opening three days, which is why Federer was due to play last night, world No1 Novak Djokovic tonight and Murray tomorrow.
With a roof not scheduled to be put on Arthur Ashe stadium until 2018, we can expect many more interruptions due to the weather — including the next 48 hours here in New York.
Federer would have been very unhappy about trying to start against Grega Zemlja after 10pm last night which made the decision to call play off sensible.
Nadal was pleased to get his bid for a second US Open title up and running and then gave an idea of what constitutes his sporting and social life.
He said: “I practise physical performance and tennis. I go fishing, play golf and I party when I have the chance. That’s all.
“Really normal guy, normal life. Doing these kind of things, I feel ready. That doesn’t mean it’s the correct thing for everybody but it is for me.”
Meanwhile, Serena Williams needed just one hour to remind everyone why she remains the favourite to win the women’s title.
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In one of the most one-sided matches seen on the Arthur Ashe centre court, the American demolished Italy’s Francesca Schiavone 6-0, 6-1 with an ominous display of precision and power.
Williams showed no mercy against the 2010 French Open champion, conceding just 23 points.
“I’m really excited,” she said. “I knew playing a former Grand Slam champion in the first round was a really tough draw so I decided to be super serious.”
Older sister Venus, 33, rolled back the years as she dispatched Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens 6-1, 6-2.
Injuries have limited the 2000 and 2001 champion to just 18 matches this year but she showed no rustiness last night.
Flipkens said: “When Venus is on fire, she is on fire.”
