But that is nothing new. Rain is always crashing the party at the U.S. Open it seems. The last four U.S. Opens in fact have been extended to Monday.

And it's not just a recent occurrence.

In 1969, the men's final at the West Side Tennis Club at Forest Hills also was delayed until Monday, which in turn delayed Rod Laver's quest for his second season Grand Slam— the last one to date in men's tennis.

Even Monday, Laver's finishing touch was delayed a further 1 hour and 35 minutes because of soggy weather.

But the tournament had a secret weapon in 1969: To help dry the grass, a rented helicopter flew into the Stadium Court to act as blow dryer (video above courtesy of the USTA).

According to the U.S. Open site, "After he failed to win the first set serving at 5-4, Laver makes a strategic switch from sneakers to spikes to help his footing on the slippery grass surface. With the spikes, Laver wins 20 of the next 29 games."

It was a 7-9, 6-1, 6-3, 6-2 victory against Tony Roche.