French Open Play Canceled Due to Rain on Day 5 at Roland Garros

Once again, weather has delayed the 2013 French Open with players already scrambling to make up for lost time due to poor playing conditions.

According to Roland Garros on Twitter, Thursday's play has been cut short:

After already enduring multiple delays and a strong likelihood of more rain ahead, officials decided to complete all in-progress matches and postpone all matches that had yet to begin on Thursday, per Roland Garros.

It's unfortunate news for both players and fans anxious to see this tournament through.

This was the third straight day at Roland Garros where players have been forced off the court due to the weather, and it's not only due to the rain. In addition to wet conditions, it has also been cold for this summer tournament, making the conditions even more challenging.   

The good news is that the weather has been spotty enough that at least some of the matches have been able to be completed.

That did not turn out to be good news for 2011 French Open champion Li Na, however. 

On Thursday, American Bethanie Mattek-Sands sent Li to a second-round upset loss, and the rain may have helped her cause. Mattek-Sands started off slow, but a break of over an hour found her taking control of the match when play resumed.

Roland Garros tweeted more: 

According to MeteoConsult, things should be improving, but not before more rain is projected for Friday. Afternoon showers are predicted for the famed tennis grounds tomorrow, but then the sun, at least part of it, is scheduled to take center court. 

In fact, there isn't more rain predicted after Friday until Sunday, June 9.

This is great news for fans, the tournament and the players as it will be nice to have things back on schedule while getting back to the grueling demands and exciting action of this major championship.