If you’ve watched one of the 2020 US Open so far, you already know this year’s event is unmatched. With strict rules and protocols and no fans due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the scene at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is almost hard to believe no matter how many times you see it on television.
But what do those players, coaches and other staff look like on the pitch? We let the players be our guides.
Suite life
Arthur Ashe Stadium suites are usually filled with sponsors and celebrities, but we don’t need to tell you that this isn’t exactly a normal year. Now, instead of the Jonas Brothers or Hadid sisters sipping honey deuces in luxury, it’s more like the Murray brothers and Williams sisters living that suite life. Andy Murray took a tour of his space to the US Open social media team.
MTV Cribs ???? #USOpen@andy_murray gives us a behind-the-scenes tour of his personal suite for this year’s event. pic.twitter.com/V3qSHcvsjL
– US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2020
And while the suites are quite elegant, some players have put their own special touches on them to make them feel more like home. Just take a look at the excavations by Novak Djokovic and Filip Krajinovic, courtesy of Serbian and retired colleague Janko Tipsarevic and his Amazon skills.
Update: Krajinovic’s suite balcony decor and red carpet entrance are courtesy of Janko Tipsarevic, who ordered accents on Amazon to make the suite more welcoming.
Djokovic’s suite is right next door and he too was the beneficiary of Janko’s green thumb. pic.twitter.com/9bm4r2vYQr
– Blair Henley (@BlairHenley) 1 September 2020
Of course, having the suites on Ashe means that players get privileged seats to watch other games. Naomi Osaka, for example, was glued to Murray’s marathon against Yoshihito Nishioka on Tuesday. His reaction is pretty much how everyone else felt watching Murray win the opening five-set round.
#USOpen (????@Eurosport_RU ) pic.twitter.com/op0jCqHMCT
– doublefault28 (@ doublefault28) 1 September 2020
After winning her debut earlier in the day, Serena Williams was on hand to watch her sister Venus on Tuesday night. While not exactly an unusual sight, what made this one particularly special was also his dog Chip. We told you these suites were the best.
See who is in the front row to support @Venuseswilliams ????@serenawilliams I #USOpen pic.twitter.com/S4dl1Haszt
– US Open Tennis (@usopen) 2 September 2020
Virtual support
Players may not have their usual entourage in place with them, but not only are their friends and family with them in spirit, they are also virtually with them. After Alexander Zverev’s world number 7 opening victory on Monday, his older brother (and tennis partner) Mischa was right next to the court to celebrate with him. You know, more or less.
Together, even when they are apart …@AlexZverev he had his biggest fan watching on day one.#USOpen pic.twitter.com/99QeqTL0e4
– US Open Tennis (@usopen) 1 September 2020
Some players have siblings who support them and others have famous friends. Karolína Muchova befriended actress Rebel Wilson during the US Open two years ago and now considers her one of his biggest supporters. Wilson was the first to congratulate Muchova on Tuesday following her win against Venus Williams.
Beat Venus Williams ➡️ Celebrate with @RebelWilson ????
Karolina Muchova’s life >>> your life@ karomuchova7 I #USOpen pic.twitter.com/faueLIQC7R
– US Open Tennis (@usopen) 2 September 2020
Around the ground
Bubble life seems to have a lot of restrictions, but at least the players have access to the necessities. And by that we mean chocolate.
Time for some chocolate! ????@matteksands is @ LaurenDavis93 chat while checking out the food selection at #USOpen. pic.twitter.com/6KyypOI5jN
– wta (@WTA) August 31, 2020
OK, it has other things too. Pool! Mini-golf! A full size pop-a-shot! This looks like the biggest summer camp in the world, with, you know, $ 3 million up for grabs.
Kim Clijsters and Caty McNally appeared to separately challenge Frances Tiafoe to some kind of competition on a child-friendly circle. A dunk contest? HORSE? We have no idea, but we’d love to find out.
Hahahahaha dawg wta tour is coming for me right now
– Frances Tiafoe (@FTiafoe) 29 August 2020
Brother never again
– Frances Tiafoe (@FTiafoe) 29 August 2020
Daria Kasatkina missed her debut on Monday, but still managed to have fun playing football on one of the many sports fields nearby.
Here and everywhere
Okay, technically this isn’t on location, but … Eurosport, which broadcasts the tournament in Europe and typically has a presence on the pitch, has introduced a new, er, “mixed reality studio” that has holograms of players talking live with their analysts. IS THIS THE FUTURE?
Eurosport today launched the new Cube for our coverage of the US Open and we were thrilled to welcome seed number one @KaPliskova as our first ever guest in the mixed reality studio with @Babsschett after his first round victory. pic.twitter.com/MC5Wrk6g7i
– Eurosport (@Eurosport) August 31, 2020
The more things change …
If you’ve ever had the chance to participate in the tournament in person, you know how magical sunsets are. Thankfully, no matter how different everything else is, this gorgeous view remains the same.
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