Play on U.S. Open outer courts suspended by rain
ASSOCAITED PRESS
Karolina Pliskova, of the Czech Republic, returns a shot from Magda Linette, of Poland, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament today in New York.
NEW YORK >> Play has been suspended by rain at the U.S. Open on all courts except Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Players have returned to the locker room. A light rain began falling earlier but play was able to continue for a time as workers wiped the courts dry along the lines when necessary.
Ashe has a retractable roof, so No. 1 Karolina Pliskova was able to finish her first-round victory after it was closed between sets. Pliskova beat Magda Linette of Poland 6-2, 6-1.
Fellow Czech Barbora Strycova also advanced quickly to the second round. The No. 23 seed beat Misaki Doi of Japan 6-1, 6-3.
Play was to continue on Ashe as scheduled, with defending champion Angelique Kerber set to begin her match against Naomi Osaka of Japan at 1 p.m.
Rain is in the forecast for this afternoon.
Last year was the first with the roof covering the main stadium at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Next year, a new Louis Armstrong Stadium will also have a retractable roof.
