Competitors in the men's draw have ruled out playing two matches on the same day to clear up the backlog at the US Open this week created by three days of persistent rain.

"That's not going to happen. It's not worth discussing," ATP players council chief Todd Martin told the Washington Post on Wednesday.

"If we have to (extend the tournament) to Monday or Tuesday, in my opinion that's what we need to do."

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) had said on Tuesday there was a possibility of the men playing two matches a day in an effort to get the schedule back on track and hold the final on Sunday as expected.

"I never say never," tournament referee Brian Earley told reporters. "It's hard for me to imagine (two matches in a day) but I've never been in this situation before.

"The rule of thumb is one singles match a day but that wouldn't mean we wouldn't (finish) a match and then go on to play a second in the (same) day.

"The rule of thumb is one thing, what happens is another.

"Most people ask whether we would ask players to play every day, as opposed to every other day, and the answer is 'yes'.

"But the players understand...they are excellent, they are willing to play when and where we ask."

Having completed just three matches in two days and with rain continuing to disrupt play on Wednesday, officials admitted they were facing the possibility of the season's final grand slam spilling over into a third week with at least one final on Monday.

Organisers have scheduled 106 matches for Wednesday although meteorologists predict another day of rain.

The last time the men's final was played on the third Monday of the championships was in 1987, when Ivan Lendl beat Mats Wilander.

Close

Today's Top News		Top Sports News
+Premier: Stable RMB rate benefits all ( 2003-09-04) +Typhoon kills at least 36 ( 2003-09-04) +Free-trade initiative gathers momentum ( 2003-09-04) +Olympics preparations progress smoothly ( 2003-09-04) +Couples encouraged to get check-ups ( 2003-09-04)		+Men refuse to play two matches a day ( 2003-09-04) +McLaren on top in Monza testing ( 2003-09-04) +Deportivo clear as only side with perfect record ( 2003-09-04) +Cafu sets sights on fourth World Cup appearance ( 2003-09-04) +US Open bracing for Monday men's final ( 2003-09-04)