Workers at the US Open tennis championships in Flushing Meadows, New York, using drying equipment to clear the rain puddles, after rain delayed the start of the men's singles final between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic on Sunday.

The final was originally scheduled for a 4pm start, but skies darkened and winds picked up just before the players were scheduled to take the court for warm-ups.

With the blue court dried and the storm system gone from the area, the players finally came out at 7.10pm at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, where the shell of a retractable roof is in place. The roof is expected to be in operation for next year's US Open.

Rain had forced the men's final - traditionally held on a Sunday - to be delayed until Monday from 2008 through 2012, pushing the US Open to construct the new roof.

Last week, torrential rain had also forced the postponement of the women's singles semi-finals from Thursday to Friday.

World No. 1 Djokovic eventually won the final in 3hr 20min, beating 17-time Grand Slam winner Federer 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 for his second US Open title. It was also the Serb's 10th Grand Slam tournament win, becoming only the seventh men's player to reach this milestone.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE