Flushing Meadows in lockdown

Last minute preparations for the US Open were aborted on Saturday after Flushing Meadows was shut down in anticipation of Hurricane Irene.

US Open venue closed for the weekend due to hurricane

Last minute preparations for the US Open were aborted on Saturday after Flushing Meadows was shut down in anticipation of Hurricane Irene. Players were told to find alternative practice venues as officials took the unusual step of locking up the National Tennis Center. Several top players cancelled their press conferences as the first showers arrived on Saturday afternoon, with the hurricane the main topic of conversation. "It's somewhat scary, because we don't know how hard it's going to hit us," said five-time champion Roger Federer. "I've got family. We're in New York City. And it's not just a regular city. "It's unusual, but we'll follow the news closely and we'll try to stay as safe as we can so we get through it." The worst of the storm was expected to be over by Sunday night but officials won't know whether the tournament will proceed as planned on Monday until they carry out an inspection for damage.