Rain Postpones Much Of Play At French Open

The French Open - Roland Garros
May 25th-June 8, 2008
Paris, France

Rain Postpones Much Of Play At French Open
By Anton Lagani, Lawn Tennis Correspondent, Posted: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 10:22pm CST USA

Photo by Thomas Coex/AFP/Getty Images

PARIS, France (lawntennismag.com)—Day three at the French Open saw much of the play suspended due to rain showers and then postponed until Wednesday.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal of Spain only was able to play two games and was tied in set one 1-1 with Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil when play was called for the final time.

“I'll just try my best and play my tennis,” 4th seeded Davydenko said. “I came in from another tournament and have only practiced here for one day. That’s not enough.”

Nadal is scheduled to resume play Wednesday as the second match on Court Chatrier.

World number one Maria Sharapova opens play at 4:00am CST USA (11:00am Paris time) against Evgeniya Rodina of Russia.

Initially play for Tuesday was delayed for three hours by a major rain storm. With 90 minutes of somewhat clear skies, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Dinara Safina both of Russia won their first round matches.

Another three hour rain delay followed. Afterwards Amelie Mauresmo of France and Nikolay Davydenko of Russia completed their matches, both posting wins.

“I'll just try my best and play my tennis,” 4th seeded Davydenko said. “I came in from another tournament and have only practiced here for one day. That’s not enough.”

“But I’m happy winning in three sets and finishing the match today. I can prepare for the next match tomorrow now.”

Showers also disrupted play Monday and unfortunately the forecast calls for more rain Wednesday. Also in action Wednesday is 5th seeded Serena Williams of the USA, French Open champion in 2002.