Rafael Nadal improved to 13-0 in US Open first-round matches by beating Serbia's Dusan Lajovic 7-6 (6), 6-2, 6-2, but complained afterward that it was so loud in Arthur Ashe Stadium he was unable to hear Lajovic hit the ball.
Even though the U.S. Tennis Association tried to lessen the noise in Arthur Ashe Stadium after the retractable cover's debut during last year's tournament, there was still quite a bit of ambient sound when the top was shut because of rain Tuesday.
"Being honest, it's a little bit too much. The umpire has to control that," Nadal said. "All the noise stays inside and this is difficult."
That was similar to what other players and fans said last year during the inaugural year of the $150 million sliding cover, describing the collected murmurs of the crowd of 20,000 that combined to form a low-grade noise similar to a buzzing hive or a rushing waterfall.
"The energy and support of the crowd is massive. I enjoy it, and I have unforgettable memories from this tournament and this court, because the energy is different from in other places," Nadal said. "But at the same time it's true that today, under the roof, it was too much. I was not able to hear the ball."
The USTA pledged a year ago to try to improve the situation and spokesman Chris Widmaier said Tuesday that steps had been taken. Widmaier acknowledged that last year's "background noise level ... needed to be, at a minimum, reduced, if not eliminated."
Told of Nadal's complaint Tuesday, Widmaier agreed that "it was loud in there today, especially with the roof closed." He said the USTA plans "to continue to work with sound experts" to see what else can be done.
The win was Nadal's 50th match win of the season, the most tour-level wins by any player, male or female, this year.
The No. 1 seed dominated after a first set that lasted more than an hour. Nadal's was one of only seven matches completed during the day session Tuesday due to a steady rainstorm.
The Associated Press and Press Association contributed to this report.