Roof could mean rally time in U.S. Open

Associated Press

NEW YORK

Novak Djokovic won’t mind if it rains for the next two weeks in New York.

The U.S. Open’s Arthur Ashe Stadium is now covered by a retractable roof. And based on his experiences at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, which already have one, the 12-time major champ expects more humid conditions once the panels slide shut — which make for a slower court.

“It allows returners like myself to get into the rally rather than seeing missiles pass by from the serves,” Djokovic said Friday.

He added with a chuckle: “I wouldn’t complain, honestly, to play an indoor U.S. Open throughout the whole two weeks.”

The world’s top-ranked player insisted he won’t wake up every morning praying for rain, and his stellar return game certainly doesn’t need much help. Roger Federer, sidelined by a knee injury, also predicted this week that the roof will aid Djokovic. The Serb begins the defense of his U.S. Open title tonight on Ashe, where he’ll likely play all his matches.

The approximately $150 million project to construct a roof over Ashe features an air management system and sliding shutters that seal the stadium, designed to try to minimize the humidity Djokovic so enjoys.

U.S. Tennis Association officials say tests have shown little difference in the conditions open or closed, but the proof will come once matches are first held under the roof.

When that will be is for Mother Nature to determine. Wimbledon champ Andy Murray — who has played in two Monday U.S. Open finals because of weather delays — couldn’t help but quip: “I’ll bet it doesn’t rain this year.”

Indeed, the extended forecast showed little chance of rain for the tournament’s first week, though of course that can quickly change.