Rain stops play – players not happy

Rain prevented play on outside courts at the Australian Open on Wednesday, after heat had caused a stoppage yesterday.

Play was due to start at 11am local time but the rain has caused a delay until 1pm at the earliest.

Yesterday intense heat then a torrential storm caused hours of delays with many matches postponed.

Some players hit out at the scheduling of matches with Brit Jamie Murray, brother of Andy, satin g players did not know what their Wednesday start times were late yesterday evening.

“11am start on outside courts. Players arrive approx 8-830am,” he said on Twitter. “Schedule released 1130pm. Unfair.

“On top of that the weather is crap. Just start matches later and give players more rest/prep time. You have lights!”.

Belgian Kirsten Flipkens also voiced concern.

“11:50pm … I won’t be one of them but how can you let the players play at 11am, if you still dont have a schedule at this time?” she tweeted.