
Finally, after weeks of waiting, the US Open has arrived. This is certainly a Grand Slam like no other: some of the biggest stars have withdrawn and large groups of spectators are nowhere to be found. Players willing to take the risk are locked away in a bubble, or so the United States Tennis Association has promised.
Although it has just begun, plenty of questions are popping up: how successful is this event? Are safety protocols being reported and followed accurately? Was this even a good idea?
Thankfully, as some had predicted, protocols seem much more enforced in comparison to the women’s Palermo event. Players are tucked away in hotels and are transported via private shuttles. Others, such as Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic, have acquired private living spaces and have security on-site at all times.
In excellent contradiction to the players out dining in Italy weeks ago, security at hotels or private homes are justified in exposing stars for leaving without good reason. Times of departure and return are strictly recorded. Temperature checks are now a part of a typical greeting – and the list goes on.
To say the very least, this is impressive and admirable work. Plenty of skepticism and worry has circled this impending health risk, but it appears that precautions are actually being adhered to. If only the rest of America could be doing the same.
Will this good work last, or will laziness ensue? Unfortunately, that question cannot be answered until it is too late.
