US Open: Roof to be closed for women's semifinals

The women's semi-finals of the US Open will be played closed roof because of the risk of a storm in the evening in New York, announced Thursday the organizers.

"The weather forecast indicates that violent storms accompanied by strong gusts of wind are approaching and will remain threatening throughout the evening," the tournament said in a statement.

"Under these conditions, the court roof Arthur-Ashe will be closed before the two women's semifinals. The roof will remain closed during the entire evening session," he said.

The first women's semi-final pits Serena Williams, looking for a 24th Grand Slam crown, to Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova (18th) from 7 pm local time (1 am Friday in France); the second American Madison Keys (14th), finalist out, to the young Japanese Naomi Osaka (19th).