The U.S. Open

With the final Grand Slam of the tennis circuit beginning, it is time we reviewed the standards of the U.S. Open.

After seeing the high level of professionalism at Wimbledon and Beijing, it is my opinion that the U.S. Open is sorely lacking in many respects. It seems that the quality and quantity of tennis played there during the open is completely lost on the spectators. Play is often interrupted by audience members who do not observe the unwritten code of silence during matches, while others consistently leave their seats without regard for these world class players. If you cannot behave with due respect, then you should not attend.

Of course, there has been plenty of money devoted to the tournament and the facilities seem to be of an excellent standard. However, much of these funds seem to be ill spent. For example, instead of installing the essential "Hawkeye" video referee system in the Grandstand court, the organisers decided to add another area for spectators. It is obvious that packing more people into the courts is prioritised over the insurance that modern standards are upheld.

I do not intend to fully deride the U.S. Open for these oversights. It is an important tournament for continuing the support of tennis in the United States and one that is often very competitive and entertaining. I do feel, however, that the lack of professionalism across the board (including the ill-trained schedule creators and ball people) detract from the feeling that the U.S. Open is on par with other Grand Slams.

We should simply recognise the U.S. Open for what it is: an exhibition tournament.

-The English Student