US Open 2020 happened!
View(s):It is difficult to say whether it is the defiance when facing a threat or the tennis world stating enough is enough or maybe the players simply saying cannot take anymore, regardless of which, US Open of 2020, the Grand Slam did happen.
Tennis too like all other sports has been looking for a formula to stage events in the midst of the pandemic. The virus has shown a relentless assault on us. At present without spectators is the only option for events. An empty grandstand, is a bitter pill to swallow but then nothing else is possible. US Open refused to hold back, they took all the risks and made it safe as possible. However, the threat was ever present, a leading male player was tested positive and he has had close contact with others in the draw. It was disturbing news.
The draw and events
Open singles in both genders was played with full strength of 128 players in the draw. Doubles had only 32 pairs. Usually it is 64. All other events were cancelled or postponed. This was the backdrop of the 140th version of the US Open. The draw did not get the full attendance of the elite player in either gender.
Without spectators, the Billie Jean King stadium complex was eerie to see in the sporadic spots that appeared in the TV coverages. On court, players performed many chores themselves. Apart from the players, only the umpires were without face mask. The cost of precautions, protection material, collection and disposal of used material, continual disinfecting process and stationed health care units must have added up to the cost of the event.
Playing form
Prior to the US Open, some of the events of US Open series were worked out in North America. Western and Southern and Cincinnati were two of them. Even with that, an astute tennis enthusiast would have noticed the lack of sharpness in players easily. Many players were out of shape coming from locked down countries. Hard court game speed is superfast. The muscle memory for reaction and speed, need regular match play in training. Mental memory supports tactics and strategy; reaction speed is muscle memory affair.
Other constrains
Travelling to US Open was the main risk and obstacle, since flights are not easy to get. Quarantine was another. Unfortunately, USA is the worst hit country by the virus. Lockdown stress is a new experience to all of us and it showed in players’ performances.
The US Open of 2020 paid over US$ 53 million plus to the players as prize money. A first round loser got US$ 61,000. For the two professional bodies, WTA and ATP this was a big relief. The postponed French Open is scheduled to be played this month on the same lines as the New York event, in Paris.
Murray and Raonic appeared
Andy Murray, came all the way from England and the Canadian Milos Raonic, turned up at the US Open, both are after a year-long absence in Grand Slams. Raonic served at 140 mph. Dominic Thiem and Zverev are still peaking into form. Pospisil, Borna Coric and Kachanov impressed as New-Gen players.
Among women, a new field has emerged. Top seed Sofia Kenin looked number one on court too. Victoria Azerenka is back, no doubt about it. The draw had many past title holders. Osaka, Stephens, Williams all wanting another New York title. Angelique Kerber played her 50th Grand Slam event.
Unfortunate elimination of Djokovic
Adding to issues was the unfortunate elimination of Djokovic. In his match against Spaniard Carreno Busta, a momentary disappointed reaction over his performance made him hit a ball to the side screen with a wrist flick while crossing over at 5/6 down in the first set. The ball hit the linesman and that dropped her to the ground yelling in pain. The ball must have had lot of speed. The rule to protect the linesman is very stringent. Within minutes, tournament officials appeared, it was an opened and closed case. Djokovic was eliminated by default. He will lose the ranking points from US Open of 2020.
American hard court is speed
The American hard courts are the origin of its kind and the norm worldwide. Apart from being fast, the spins, that is slice, top-spin and sidespins get true and full blown effects. Its base is concrete with an asphalt layer on top. It being so, it is very hard on the body. Visibly many players in the 4th round were sporting thigh supports. The surface is here to stay.
At the 2020 US Open, 1st serve percentage and the early-as-possible-return of serve gave the players edge over the opponent. Both are formidable challenges to maintain especially in the top end of professional tennis. In women’s tennis, Sofia Kenin and Coco Gauff are very much on top of this requirement. Serena Williams’ bread and butter formula to win. The high bounce of the hard court permits players to hit short angle winners with inside out stroking skills from the base line with lethal effect. Many players exhibit full confidence to execute these on both flanks. The court demands the use of speed as a weapon to win.
Into the rest of the year, WTA and ATP will try to squeeze in as many events as possible. For them, ‘the show must go on’. It is a well-known song and the tune will echo in events.
—George Paldano, Accredited Coach of German Tennis Federation; National coach Brunei, Sri Lanka & Davis-Cup, Federation-Cup coach. —————– geodano2015@gmail.com