The 2020 U.S. Open started on Monday in the absence of one of its maximum iconic features: the crowd.
Instead, the courts at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens used to be silent, and spectators stayed away from the stadium due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The ban on enthusiastic users is a component of New York’s ongoing efforts to curb coVID-19.
New York, once the epicenter of the virus in the United States, reports record rates of positivity and the lowest number of hospitalizations since March All regions are in Phase Four of the state reopening plan, where maximum businesses and activities can operate under certain restrictions..
The US Open, for which there are about 350 players in place, follows express fitness and protection protocols.For example, a face mask is required in the field, social estrangement, and common tests.
French player Benoit Paire tested positive for COVID-19 this weekend and was withdrawn from the tournament, while other players, such as Rafael Nadal, had retired in the past due to considerations of the coronavirus.
The areas of the tennis center that would accommodate spectators have been changed to “player reception areas,” with amenities such as a fitness center, dining room, putting green and mini golf course.
However, a Grand Slam occasion without enthusiasts in the stands can be a delight for players, especially due to the lack of noise.
After winning Monday’s match, Karolina Pliskova, the Czech Republic’s first favourite, said the empty stands had been slow to get used to.
“I think it’s just the joy of everything, because everything is a little different,” he said at a press conference.”But the more time I spend here, the more I feel.”
Last year, the US Open set an all-time attendance record, attracting more than 737,800 enthusiasts in two weeks.
The occasion attracts tourists and is helping to bring the city’s economy to life, which will also be different this year.
U.S. Tennis Association chief executive Michael Dowse told CNBC’s Squawk Box that revenue would drop by 80% this year and would do so in transmission and sponsorship agreements.He said the organization had to dig into its reserves to fund the tournament.
“We don’t have any enthusiasts in sight, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have enthusiasts in the world watching the sport,” Dowse said.
Last year, the U.S.Open averaged 1.28 million audiences on ESPN and ESPN2, its highest average since the network began broadcasting the occasion exclusively in 2015.
Over the weekend, several players shared their opinions on the lack of viewers this year in a blog post on the US Open website, noting that enthusiasts are a component of the atmosphere.
“They made the most productive match,” said American player Sofia Kenin.”When these are difficult times, they have an obvious status to encourage you.It’s unfortunate. I wish they were there.
Andy Murray, from Great Britain, said he surpassed the replacement tone last week when he went to the locker room after training.
“I thought, “Wow, that’s pretty sad, ” because overall, this position is full of power and atmosphere, as before the tournament started,” he said.”Now it’s the tennis players and their groups walking around in masks.It’s very different and a little sad.”
Belgian player Kim Clijsters controlled to locate a silver substitute, claiming that he had never been to watch as many live matches as this tournament because there is less festival for a front row seat.
Some of the seating at Arthur Ashe’s main stadium is, however, visibly occupied, through enthusiasts but through the paintings of 18 Black and BIPOC artists who were commissioned through the occasion organizers as a component of an art installation designed to draw attention to Black Lives.Material movement.
Painted on the seats are colorful portraits of other people of color, some accompanied by messages like “Protect Black Women” and “E is for everyone”.