American Tiafoe Joins New York Open Field

Australian Open quarterfinalist joins other top-ranked Americans as defending champion Kevin Anderson withdraws with elbow injury

February 7, 2019 | By Press Release
Tiafoe Crop
Photo Credit: USTA/Brad Penner

 

Frances Tiafoe, one of the rising stars in American men’s tennis, will join the field at next week’s 2019 New York Open. The 21-year-old recently made a statement showing at the 2019 Australian Open last month, falling in the quarterfinals to eventual runner-up and second-ranked player in the world, Rafael Nadal.

Tiafoe, ranked No. 30 in the Emirates ATP world rankings, will be searching for his second career title.

The addition of Tiafoe to the singles draw gives the event – which begins on Sunday, Feb. 10 – a loaded field of top American talent, with the top-three men’s players from the United States all descending upon the greater New York area for the ATP 250 Series event. Joining Tiafoe in the singles draw, will be top-ranked American John Isner (No. 9 overall) and third-ranked Steve Johnson (No. 35 overall). Additionally, the fifth-ranked American, Sam Querrey (No. 48 overall) will be competing.

“Adding Frances to what is already a tremendous and talented field, is very excited for all of us involved with the New York Open,” said Josh Ripple, Tournament Chairman and co-Tournament Director of the New York Open. “We look forward to seeing him build off of what he showed in Melbourne last month here in front of a great tennis fan base on Long Island.”

Unfortunately, world No. 5 – and defending New York Open champion – Kevin Anderson will be unable to return to Long Island to defend his title. Anderson had to withdraw from the event, citing an elbow injury suffered during the Australian Open.

“I’m sorry not to be returning to the New York Open this year to defend my title,” Anderson said. “The event kick-started my year in 2018 and I was very excited to return. Unfortunately, my elbow has been giving me problems since the Australian Open and I’m not yet back to full fitness. I wish the players and fans a great week of tennis. There’s a lot of talent in the field and I encourage anyone who can make the event to check it out. Hope to see you all next year.”

Additionally, 19-year-old breakout star, Alex de Minaur, was also forced to pull out of next week citing injury.

“We’re obviously disappointed to not be able to see two incredible players like Kevin and Alex in action this week, but wish them all the best in their recovery,” Ripple said. “Fans will still be able to see top-flight stars, including the best American tennis has to offer. We look forward to hopefully seeing Kevin and Alex out on the black courts next year for the 2020 New York Open.”

This year’s New York Open will kick off in a big way on Feb. 9 with Opening Night, when a pair of International Tennis Hall of Fame members – and former world No. 1s – will face off in an exhibition match at NYCB LIVE: Andy Roddick and Jim Courier. The two American stars combined for five major titles, 55 ATP Tour singles titles, and nearly $35 million in career earnings during their careers.

Additionally, as part of the Opening Night festivities, the “Taste of New York Open” event will take place prior to the Roddick-Courier match. The high-end event will feature the entire player field and feature a one-of-a-kind menu created by world-renowned chef, David Burke – a two-time James Beard Foundation winner as “Best Chef in New York” – which will be co-hosted by Roddick.

Tickets for the 2019 New York Open are still on sale and can be purchased via either newyorkopen.com/tickets or nycblive.com/events, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum box office, or by calling 800-745-3000.

 

 


Press Release
Oneononedoubles banner art resize
USTA NTC

January/February 2024 Digital Edition