Organizers of the ATP's only U.S. clay court event in Houston adjusted the schedule due to heavy rain forecasts over the weekend. Singles matches will now lead off sessions on Friday and Saturday at River Oaks Country Club, instead of doubles. The changes aim to keep play on track despite the weather threats.
Heavy showers and possible storms are expected to hit Houston, potentially disrupting the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships at River Oaks Country Club. Tournament officials announced the revisions via their official Twitter account on April 2, confirming that Friday's opening session starts at noon with singles, followed by the evening session at 6 p.m. Saturday play begins at 11 a.m., also prioritizing singles to allow doubles players more preparation time. Without a roof over the courts, any rain could cause lengthy delays until the clay dries. Quarterfinal matches include Ben Shelton facing Thiago Agustín Tirante, Tien against Roman Andres Burruchaga, Frances Tiafoe taking on Tomás Martín Etcheverry, and Paul scheduled versus Alexei Popyrin. Officials hope to avoid the chaos seen at the recent Miami Open, where rain wiped out qualifying, squeezed schedules, and interrupted the men's final between Jannik Sinner and Jiri Lehecka multiple times before Sinner won 6-4, 6-4.