The U.S. Open men's final between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic received ratings of 1.8 on CBS and 1.2 on ESPN, or 2.5 million and 1.85 million viewers respectively. The match began on Monday afternoon instead of Sunday because of rain, and shifted channels when more rain caused further delays.
The four-set final earned a lower rating than the one-sided women's contest on Saturday night, which received a 1.9, or 2.52 million viewers.
The men's final has now been delayed to Monday for three straight years. Last year's final between Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro, which went five sets and was broadcast only on CBS, received a 2.3 rating. The 2008 encounter between Federer and Murray was lower than this year, earning a 1.7.
The last men's final to be played in its scheduled slot, between Federer and Djokovic in 2007, received a 3.7.
CBS and the USTA are negotiating an extension of their contract, which runs out after next year. Last month, SportsBusiness Journal reported that the new deal is expected to have a similar $21 million value and "could include relief for the broadcaster in the event some of its coverage is delayed or canceled by rain."