US Open Fans Draw Mixed Reactions

US Open attendees are expressing frustration over the rowdy atmosphere, contrasting sharply with the decorum of other elite tennis tournaments.

Many fans in the stands were seen creating a racket—taking selfies, chatting loudly, and even using speakerphones during tense moments in matches.

Rob Stein, a 65-year-old retired entrepreneur from Queens, noted how distracting it was to witness the unruly behavior during a match featuring Canadian player Felix Auger-Aliassime against Australia’s Alex de Minaur at Arthur Ashe Stadium. “They just don’t care. They’ve got their feet up on the seats,” he remarked.

Stein lamented, “I honestly can’t respect the game anymore. I can’t picture this happening at Wimbledon.”

He observed that the once-respectable atmosphere has transformed into a party scene, especially with cocktails like Honey Deuce and The New Watermelon Slice adding to the madness. “I think drinking contributes to their unruly actions. Some people aren’t even here to watch the game; they’re just milling around,” he added.

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic aired his frustrations about the lively crowds during a match on Tuesday night, questioning the referee, “What can be done about this?”

As Djokovic served in the third set against Taylor Fritz, he broke his focus and urged chair umpire Damian Dumusova to quiet the fans.

“That’s not going to help, Novak,” the umpire replied, clearly unimpressed.

On Wednesday, the disturbances continued, with several spectators raising concerns over the loud conversations happening throughout the matches. This kind of behavior would likely not be tolerated at more traditional Grand Slams like Wimbledon or the French Open, which ban alcohol in the stands.

One frustrated fan named Tony commented, “It was loud and rude. Conversations should be kept to a whisper during the game, and sure, go ahead during the breaks.”

Another attendee, Roudmas, mentioned how he was distracted by the chatter during the Auger-Aliassime and De Minaur match. His wife, Maria, reflected on how the decorum has deteriorated over the years: “When I was younger, it was always quiet during the matches, but now, it’s changed a lot. People seem more interested in taking selfies than actually enjoying the tennis.”

Barbara N., 65, who describes herself as a tennis enthusiast, has attended various Grand Slams and noted that the US Open definitely has the loudest crowds. “I’ve seen them all. It’s a bit louder here, but every event has its vibe. I remember the French Open; they have their own chants,” she noted.

“New Yorkers definitely have their own style,” she concluded, “Maybe we just need to improve a little.”