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Tennis

US Open 2011: Men’s final pushed back to Monday

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The men’s and women’s US Open singles finals have both been rescheduled as a result of the rain at this year’s tournament.

Tournament organisers have pushed back the men’s final until Monday for the fourth year in a row, while the women’s final will now take place on Sunday.

The men’s semi-finals will now be played on Saturday, with the final scheduled to start at 2100BST on Monday.

And the women’s semi-finals have now been pencilled in for Saturday, before the final on Sunday from 2100BST.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal has led criticism from players over the scheduling of the New York tournament – and the world No2 described the latest announcement as “crazy”.

“Having the semi-finals on Saturday is something crazy for the players,” said Nadal.

“From our part of the draw it will be a very difficult situation for the player who will be in the final. The semi-finals too, maybe, because two days in a row playing tough matches is difficult.

“The matches, quarter-finals, semi-finals, four rounds of a Grand Slam normally are tough matches. If you don’t have rest, you have a big chance not be fit enough to play well in the next match.”

Tournament director Jim Curley defended the decision. He said: “We revised the schedule for the remainder of the 2011 US Open in an effort to be fair to the players and our ticket holders.

“This is the result of a collaborative effort with the players, CBS Sports and tournament officials to address the issues that arose from the inclement weather earlier this week.”