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Time to Rally: Looking Ahead to the US Open
April 20, 2020 | By Steven Kaplan
Photo courtesy of USTA/Darren Carroll
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The USTA is hopeful to start the US Open in late August with business as usual with a “decision coming in June”, explained Mike Dowse USTA Chief of Operations. Dowse went on to say: “The driving factor will be the health and well-being of the players, the fans and our staff.”
Dowse added, “it is “highly unlikely” that this year’s event will be held without spectators as it would not be consistent with the “spirit of the celebration of the event.”
It’s hard to imagine that we will have enough information by June to ensure that an event with massive crowds and people arriving from all parts of the world will be safe. It’s also highly unlikely that such a decision will be the USTA’s to make.
The Governor of New York will have the ultimate veto power.
I hope the US Open will be played this year even if it means no live spectators. It will not be consistent with other years, but what is? It will not be as economically viable for those involved, but what is?
Any US Open, even a televised-only event, will be a showcase for tennis that will excite fans and non-tennis fans alike, and grow the game like never before!
Steven Kaplan
Steven Kaplan is the owner and managing director of Bethpage Park Tennis Center, as well as director emeritus of Lacoste Academy for New York City Parks Foundation and executive director and founder of Serve & Return Inc. Steve has coached more than 1,100 nationally-ranked junior players, 16 New York State high school champions, two NCAA Division 1 Singles Champions, and numerous highly-ranked touring professionals. Many of the students Steve has closely mentored have gone to achieve great success as prominent members of the New York financial community, and in other prestigious professions. In 2017, Steve was awarded the Hy Zausner Lifetime Achievement Award by the USTA. He may be reached by e-mail at StevenJKaplan@aol.com.
