Less than two months ago, the world of tennis had occupied the impeccable green courts of Wimbledon, where the sound of the balls echoed amid calm.
The audience generally kept an almost library silence, following the players dressed in white in one of the most beautiful scenarios in the sport.
Now, this week, the same athletes compete for another title in. But the atmosphere is completely different.
While Wimbledon – and most tournaments – requires almost total silence on the court, reality in.
Another football game than tennis
Instead of contained murmurs, the loud music plays between the points, the fans make noise and some say the air.
“It’s an attack on the senses in every respect,” journalist Molly Mcelwee told CNN. “Compared to Wimbledon, it’s like water and wine. US Open has a totally different atmosphere.”
Mcelwee, who has worked in the tournament twice in recent years, says the mood at the Grand Slam New York is more like a football game than a tennis tournament.
According to her, the fans go to have fun, often packed by the drinks for sale – especially the Honey Deuce cocktails, very popular at the event.
City reflection
“US Open is one of the noisiest, certainly the brightest and bigger slams,” Mcelwee said. “New York is like that too. I think the tournament reflects the city well.”
In addition to the noise, players deal with traffic to the courts and the distinct odors that circulate through the complex.
From fried foods the smell of marijuana, journalists and athletes have already commented how the scent of the tournament can be a distraction.
The world’s 12 number 12, Casper Ruud, a matter on the rise since New York released recreational use in 2021.
Smell of marijuana and frying
“I’m not a fan of marijuana smell. In every corner you feel it,” Ruud said, remembering that despite that, he likes to play in the tournament.
The Arthur Ashe Stadium, the world’s largest tennis court, naturally concentrates the most intense atmosphere where players sometimes suffer to focus.
MCELWEE, author of the book Building Champions: Paths to Success in Women’s Tennishe says he witnessed impressive moments there.
She resembles Serena Williams’s campaign in 2022, before retirement, such as the height of the user’s noise and union at US Open.
Curious incidents
“It was something unique, I never lived such a united crowd,” he said. “Everyone was for her and the sound was deafening.”
But euphoria also appears in smaller arenas – not always positively.
Last Sunday, in the game between Danil Medvedev and Benjamin Bonzi at Louis Armstrong Stadium, there was a delay for a mistake of a cameraman.
Upon restarting, the fans inflamed, booing Bonzi with each withdrawal and shouting during the points, in an atmosphere described by the French as “very strange.”
Divided players
On Tuesday, another episode occurred in the match between Jacob Fearnley and Roberto Bautista Agut, when a fan suddenly changed sides in the middle of the match.
“It was confused and extremely noisy,” Fearnley told BBC Sport after the victory.
For some, the chaotic environment can disturb. For others, it is a fuel.
The American Frances Tiafoe has already declared to like the drama, finding the exaggerated participation of the fans in the duel of Medvedev funny.
Unique energy
His compatriot Ben Shelton also feels at home in this mood. “Peace in Chaos Meet,” said the US Open 2023 semifinalist.
For him, the most silent tournaments are uncomfortable. “Here, I feel like playing my best sneakers, nothing compares to the energy of the US Open.”
Number 11 in the world, Emma Navarro, also likes New York’s “casual” environment, unlike Wimbledon’s rigid label.
She said she even appreciates that many fans walk or talk during the points, making the tournament more relaxed.
The future of tennis?
“It makes me feel that not all attention is in me. People are enjoying the event,” said Navarro.
The US Open, therefore, divides opinions. For some, it can be a model of what tennis will look for in the future to attract audiences.
Anyway, it offers diversity to the circuit and an extra challenge to athletes.
“Maybe that’s why we see so many different champions in recent years,” concluded Mcelwee.
