The US Open is known for its boisterous crowds, bold-faced names in the stands, music at changeovers, and buzz. While some tennis players thrive in this chaotic environment, others struggle to adjust. Frances Tiafoe, a semifinalist at Flushing Meadows, says he “operate well in chaos.” However, not everyone shares his enthusiasm for the loud crowds and smells. Monica Seles, a 1991-92 champion, finds it challenging to deal with but adjusts accordingly. Some players, like Aryna Sabalenka, initially found it confusing but grew to be okay with it.
Others have mixed feelings about the tournament. Adrian Mannarino, a Frenchman who began his US Open in the main draw on Sunday, says he used to enjoy the tournament but now finds it chaotic and noisy. Emma Navarro, an American tennis player, describes the US Open as “casually rowdy,” while Agnieszka Radwanska, a retired player, found the energy-sucking atmosphere overwhelming.
Even some players who excel in quiet tournaments like Wimbledon are comfortable with the chaos of the US Open. Ben Shelton, a semifinalist at Flushing Meadows, finds peace in the noise and describes it as a source of comfort. However, Casper Ruud, the 2022 US Open runner-up, is not a fan of the smell of marijuana wafting through the city streets.
While some players are energized by the crowd’s enthusiasm, others struggle to concentrate in such a noisy environment. The contrasts between the loud atmosphere of the US Open and more subdued tournaments like Wimbledon highlight the unique experience of this Grand Slam event.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/us-open-2025-tennis-chaos-medvedev-5c2b51dc8d7275154bdbae5db074dae1