OK folks. Everything was done as per predetermined rules. I am posting the official rules below taken directly from the "grand slam rule book". But, first let me explain it in easy to understand manner.
1. Only if at least two of the top 8 seeds have withdrawn after the draw is made, the tournament is allowed (but not required) to remake the draw. As only Andy withdrew, the USO does not have the ability to remake the draw.
2. Obviously if an LL is directly placed into the slot of a high seed (who has withdrawn), the draw will be highly unbalanced. As a result, there are well defined rules of how to rebalance the draw when a seeded player withdraws. When a top four seed withdraws, the #5 seed gets into the slot created by the withdrawal. That is why Cilic got into Murray's spot. Then the #17 seed gets into the spot created by the movement of #5 seed. That is why Sam Querry who was seeded #17 got into Cilic's spot. The player who just missed the cut for being seeded (#33 guy) is moved into the spot created by the movement of #17 seed. Kohlschrbrier (#33 seed) moved into the spot vacated by Uncle Sam. Finally, the lucky loser is inserted into the spot created by movement of #33 guy. Lukas Lacko (incidentally his initials also match that of a Lucky Loser) got into Kohly's spot.
3. Everything is done as per pre-specified rules. There is no conspiracy to give advantage to any particular players.
4. While not ideal, the rules and rebalancing procedure are fairly sensible as well.
5. The rebalancing rules are three different procedures based on whether the seed who dropped out is in the range 1-4, 5-16 and 16-32. If only, they came in five different procedures based on whether the seed who dropped out is in the range 1-2, 3-4, 5-8, 9-16 and 16-32, the rebalancing rules would have been fairer than it is now.
---------------------------------------Relevant Sections from Official Rule Book ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seedings will not be official until the final draw is made. If two or more of the top eight seeds withdraw more than forty-eight (48) hours before the start of the tournament, the tournament may choose either to remake the draw or let the draw stand. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein, if a Wild Card withdraws after the original draw and the draw is to be remade, the vacancy created may be filled at the tournament’s option by a substitute Wild Card; if the tournament elects not to use a
substitute Wild Card, the vacancy shall be treated as any other vacancy below.
Any vacancy created by the withdrawal of a seed prior to the release of the Order of Play for the first day of Main Draw shall be filled as follows:
- If the withdrawal is among seeds 1 to 4, the 5th seed is moved into then open position, the 5th position shall be filled by the 17th seed, and the 17th position shall be filled by the next highest ranked player eligible to be seeded. - If the withdrawal is among seeds 5 to 16, the 17th seed is moved into the open position and the 17th position shall be filled by the next highest ranked player eligible to be seeded. - If the withdrawal is among seeds 17 to 32 it shall be filled by the next highest ranked player eligible to be seeded.
The position vacated by that next highest ranked player shall then be filled by the next player on the original entry list if prior to the commencement of the Qualifying competition or by the eligible Lucky Loser if after the commencement of the Qualifying competition.
Any vacancy created by the withdrawal of a seed which occurs after the release of the Order of Play for the first day of the Main Draw shall be filled by eligible Lucky Losers.
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