The U.S Open is considering installing a retractable roof on one of its show courts in an attempt to overcome rain delays and scheduling problems, organisers said on Tuesday.
"We have just hired some master planners, who have worked on venues in this country, to look at (the Open)," said Arlen Kantarian, chief executive of the United States Tennis Association's (USTA) professional tennis division.
"One of the many reasons for the study is to take a more in depth look at whether or not (a roof is) feasible.
"(We will consider) whether or not it's feasible, structurally and financially, to put a roof over Arthur Ashe stadium."
Only two matches, in the women's singles draw, were completed on Monday and the start of play on Tuesday was delayed by seven hours because of incessant drizzle.
It left players facing the possibility of playing every day for the rest of the week on their way to the finals of the hardcourt grand slam.
When Ashe centre court was built in 1997, no roof was installed and a change now would hit the funds of the USTA.
"It (a roof) is not in the plans today, but we would never say never," Kantarian said.
"It is a costly situation...but that doesn't mean we'd rule it out.
"The only way we could justify it is if we also felt this stadium could be used year-round for additional tennis events, and other sporting events.
"That feasibility study will be conducted...and is due next spring."
Kantarian also said it was possible that, instead of Ashe, they could build a retractable roof over one of the other show courts -- Louis Armstrong or Grandstand.
Ashe stadium cost approximately $250 million and former champion John McEnroe was left in no doubt that the failure to include a roof from the start was an oversight.
"I do not understand how they can build the biggest tennis stadium in the world and not build a roof," he said while working as a television commentator.
"The players of New York would have loved to have had a facility like that, (which) they could use all year round.
"Instead, here we are (in a rain delay), twiddling our thumbs."
