US Open: Samantha Stosur, defending women’s champ, holds lead amid downpour on first day of tournament

The US Open kicked off in New York City on Monday in spite of heavy rains that drowned out all but 90 minutes of the morning phase of the competition, AFP reported.

According to AFP, the weather "once again reignited the debate over the need for a roof over one of the showcourts." Competition resumed at about 3 p.m., The New York Times reported.

However, the day still brought some excitement, with defending women's champion Samantha Stosur of Australia — who won the 2011 US Open — maintaining a strong lead over Petra Martic of Croatia during their 51-minute match for a 6-1, 6-1 victory, the Times said.

Also on the women's side, Li Na of China also counted a 6-2, 6-3 win against Heather Watson of Britain, while Sorana Cirstea of Romania beat out Sabine Lisicki of Germany 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, USA Today reported.

For the men's tournament, American James Blake moved into the second round with a 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory against Lukas Lacko of Slovakia, according to USA Today and wire reports.

Samantha Stosur of Australia competes against Petra Martic of Croatia during their women's first round match at the 2012 US Open in New York City on August 27, 2012. (TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP/GettyImages)

Na Li of China returns to Heather Watson of Great Britain during their women's match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament in New York. (DON EMMERT/AFP/GettyImages)

Sorana Cirstea of Romania returns a shot during the women's singles first round match against Sabine Lisicki of Germany on day one of the 2012 US Open in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

James Blake of the United States celebrates a point during his men's singles first round match against Lukas Lacko of Slovakia during the 2012 US Open. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images for USTA)