It was a potential nightmare for fans, tournament organizers and even the players.
Hours after the start of a rain delay Friday afternoon, the wet weather showed no sign of letting up and it was beginning to look like the rest of the day's schedule at the Pan Pacific Open, including hometown favorite Naomi Osaka's quarterfinal, would be postponed.
Then, a bit of excitement in the middle of a gloomy evening at Utsubo Tennis Center in Osaka: The world No. 4 emerged from the locker room and greeted the hundreds of rain-soaked spectators who were braving the miserable conditions in hopes of seeing their favorite player in action.