Shutterstock
Tennis Hall of Famer John McEnroe is begging the United States Tennis Association (UTSA) to do something about the brutal conditions at this year’s US Open amid a heat wave sweeping across New York.
This week, players have been drenched with sweat and physically exhausted in the grueling heat which the four-time US Open champion describes as “not humane.”
McEnroe is calling for tournament officials to close the roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens.
“These poor guys today … they looked like they’re going to fall over,” McEnroe said via, according to Larry Brown Sports. “It’s not humane in a way.
“I’m sorry. Please, USTA, in the future, I think seriously we should close the roof.”
McEnroe added that the US Open — which is the final Grand Slam tournament of the season — should be showcasing “the best tennis player, not a war of attrition.”
Medvedev; Referring to playing in the intense heat. "One player will die and then they will see"
The heat/humidity at the US Open was risky to the players health, thank goodness the match finished in 3 sets or they could have been serious health issues.pic.twitter.com/zbAduvC5PU
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) September 6, 2023
No. 3 seed Daniil Medvedev, who defeated No. 8 seed Andrey Rublev in straight sets on Wednesday, commented on the humidity and conditions and warned that a player could die.
Wednesday was the hottest day of the 2023 US Open.
But despite speaking out against the “brutal” conditions, Medvedev is not sure what can be done to help the players and reduce any risks.
“The only thing that is a little bit, let’s call it dangerous, is that the question is: How far could we go?” Medvedev said, via The Associated Press. “I’m not sure what can we do. Because probably we cannot stop the tournament for four days—because it’s been, what, three, four days it’s been brutal like this?—because then it basically ruins everything: the TV, even the tickets, everything. It ruins everything.”
Thursday’s women’s semifinals matches will be played in 94-degree weather, so it will be another scorching day on the court. Whether the UTSA will do anything to help the players — like closing the roof — remains to be seen.
Medvedev, meanwhile, will return to action on Friday where he will face No. 1 seed Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s semifinal.
