Cbs Extends Pact Despite Poor Ratings

Early television ratings of CBS Sports’ broadcast of U.S. Open men’s singles final were down 44 percent from last year, the network said.

CBS also said it agreed to a four-year extension of its agreement to air the tournament, giving it rights through 2004.

CBS’ telecast of Australian Patrick Rafter’s 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 victory Sunday over England’s Greg Rusedski was watched by four percent of homes with television sets in 38 major markets that make up more than half of U.S. viewers. Some 8 percent of the sets turned on were tuned to the match, according to overnight ratings.

The men’s singles final last year, in which Pete Sampras defeated Michael Chang, both Americans, drew a 7.2 overnight rating and 13 share.

“Comparing the two is like apples and oranges,” said Rob Correa, CBS Sports vice president for programming, because rain delays forced last year’s final to be played from 6:30-8:30 p.m. local time. This year’s final was completed by 6:30 p.m.