Rain washes out play at French Open

   Rain forced the postponement of the entire day's matches in the French Open for the first time in 16 years today.
   The French Open is the only Grand Slam tournament without a roof over center court. The roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium at the U.S. Open will be completed in time for this year's tournament, Aug. 29-Sept. 11. French Open organizers hope to have a roof over Court Philippe Chatrier by 2020.
   "I'm coming in front of you tonight just to express my frustration," French Open tournament director Guy Forget said at a news conference. "You suddenly realize that at other places, they would play on center court. You guys (the media) would be working. People that don't have a ticket would probably be watching on screens.
   "We again have to send the players back and hope that tomorrow play will resume. Once again, I think that having a roof is a necessity. For those in our country who are still doubting the necessity to expand, to modernize our stadium, I think this is proof we have to do it.
   "We can't be like (this) for many (more) years. And although we have very good hope that it will be done by 2020, I hope no one ... can just stop the process because, once again, it is a necessity."
   Tuesday's schedule is jammed with matches, but there is a 90 percent chance of rain. The chances are 40 percent on Wednesday and 70 percent on Thursday before falling to 20-30 percent the rest of the week.