NEW YORK — Even though I covered my first U.S. Open 14 years ago, and pride myself on doing in-depth reporting, sometimes I can feel like I’m just scratching the surface of this sport and this tournament.
But on Tuesday evening and Wednesday afternoon at the U.S. Open, I had the opposite sensation, fulfilling a wish that’s been one of my most stubborn tennis-reporting bucket list items: observing the creation of a day’s order of play, and learning everything that goes into this complex and scrutinized process.
After U.S. Open officials agreed to the idea, happily, I was escorted deep within the bowels of Arthur Ashe Stadium into the tournament’s nerve center and inner sanctum to witness one of the most high-profile administrative tasks in the sport.
After a brief tutorial on the room and the software, I was a fly on the wall as the work began. U.S. Open referee Jake Garner, U.S. Open tournament director Eric Butorac, Grand Slam supervisor Wayne McKewen, and a rotating cast of other officials put together Thursday’s Day 5 schedule for the U.S. Open, involving 32 second-round singles matches and the start of the women’s doubles event, using 12 large computer monitors—with very small font—and bespoke, purpose-built software.
It was fascinating to hear these administrators talk through their decision-making processes, see the interconnectedness of matches, and understand how star-player requests, broadcaster preferences, rest times, doubles, and more all impact what is put on court each day.
“It’s probably my favorite part of the job, to be honest,” Butorac told Bounces. “I like doing jigsaw puzzles at home, and I feel like this is sort of the ultimate 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. But you’re playing with a lot at stake.”
Being in this windowless room was hugely illuminating, and I’m excited to bring what I learned to Bounces subscribers. I’ve never written (nor read) a story like this before. If you’re a tennis nerd like me, I think you’re going to love it.
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