The spectators at the US Open are notorious for their loud voices and commitment to their countrymen. The German player Laura Siegemund has just felt this. But it has probably never been different.
The tears were unmistakable. After her first-round defeat at the US Open against the American and secret title favorite Coco Gauff, Laura Siegemund had reached her emotional limits.
So much dislike from a (tennis) crowd like in Arthur Ashe Stadium – with a capacity of 23,771 spectators, the largest and probably also the loudest tennis stadium in the world – the 35-year-old had never encountered it in her long career.
Hard conditions
“This unfair, disrespectful behavior towards a non-American, I’ve only experienced it on this court“said Siegemund. “It’s the first time I’ve cried in a press conference.” In the vernacular one would probably say: In order to be able to enter this big stage, you need a particularly thick skin.
“It’s really tough to play there. Especially when you’re not from the USA and you’re playing against an American. It’s by far the most emotionally difficult crowd there in the world. The crowd is totally biased and bets no ifs and buts for their favorite”says Andreas Maurer (65) of the sports show. “It’s incredibly difficult emotionally. You’re playing against a huge wall.”
Spectators are badass
However, this is not news for players and coaches. who the US Open games, who knows what he is letting himself in for, says Maurer. After all, the former world-class player has often been on site as a player and later as a trainer in recent decades at the tennis facility in Flushing Meadows – and knows exactly what makes American tennis fans special.
Boris Becker (left), Michael Westphal and Andreas Maurer
In fact, nothing has changed over the years.“The spectators are not interested in whether the players are in the match are. They get up during the rally and get popcorn or drinks. They call in and have to be constantly called to rest. The spectators there are tough”, says Maurer. “But it has never been different.“
Even more stress during qualification
Anyway, they are US Open probably the most restless, loudest tournament on the entire tennis tour. Not just on that Center Court the background noise is particularly large. “Everything around is also very hectic and very loud”says Maurer.
Anyone who has to play the qualification for the main draw, for example, has to deal with even more hustle and bustle. Many spectators squeeze into the few seats, food stands all around ensure a special flair.
Noise at the US Open
Low taking off and landing aircraft from the immediately adjacent airport LaGuardia also make the active members tremble. During the main tournament, the fliers will then be diverted.
“It has nothing to do with the flair of tennis like in Wimbledon.”says Maurer. “But of course that also has its great appeal.”