The 2020 US Open is officially underway. As tennis fanatics flock to their TVs, the best tennis players in the world will duel in their respected brackets to win it all. The fast paced, power driven sport surprisingly captivates viewers from all sports backgrounds as the game incorporates precise serves, impressive footwork, and eye opening volleys, all while keeping an elegance like no other. 

History 

Historically the oldest tennis championship in the world, the US Open was first established in 1881 as a national men’s competition. The championship expanded to a women’s bracket in 1887 and implemented mixed doubles in 1892. 

Since 1978, the US Open has been played at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, on hard acrylic courts creating fast play and intense matches to watch. This is home to the largest tennis stadium in the world equipped with 20 indoor courts and a seating capacity of 23,771 spectators. 

Of course, the 2020 US Open looks different than previous years. This year’s tournament lacks the intangible feeling of the tens of thousands of fans clapping and reacting to each match, as all 23,771 seats will remain vacant due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Notable Opt-Outs

The 2020 US Open will also be without some of its largest names in the sport due to coronavirus concern. Atop the list are two of the sport’s most well-known men’s athletes, No. 2 ranked Rafael Nadal and No. 4 ranked Roger Federer. In addition, No. 40 Nick Kyrgios will not be attending. 

For the woman’s side, six of the Women’s Tennis Association’s top 10 will be absent from the tournament, as they have all opted out due to coronavirus: 

• No. 1 Ashleigh Barty
• No. 2 Simona Halep
• No. 5 Elina Svitolina
• No. 6 Bianca Andreescu
• No. 7 Kiki Bertens 
• No. 8 Belinda Bencic 

Tournament Stories

Pandemic aside, this tournament still has all the pieces to make for a great US Open. Edging off as the Men’s favorite, is 33 year old Novak Djokovic, who is hunting for his 18^th Grand Slam Title in as many years. Leading the way for the Woman’s bracket, is 38 year old Serena Williams. Williams will yet again be attempting to tie Margaret Court’s all-time Grand Slam record of 24. 

With all the uncertainty circulating the sports world, Williams does have the opportunity to bring some normalcy to the tournament by walking away with another US Open title. This historic feat would sure enough place Serena Williams on top of the tennis world, making her the most accomplished tennis athlete in modern history. 

Will you be watching this year? To get more information about the US Open and the scheduling, visit: Schedule of Play – Official Site of the 2020 US Open.