Players Frustrated by Security at U.S. Open

Written by: Global Chick on 3rd September 2013

Players Frustrated by Security at U.S. Open |

By Global Chick

As if the natural obstacles provided by New York City weren’t enough for us to deal with, just getting around the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center has been proving to be a difficult task for us and our families. This year, the USTA or whichever umbrella corporation, has hired temporary, constantly rotating, Nazi-esque “gate-keepers” and it is simply frustrating dealing with these security measures. The individuals in place don’t seem to know anything about tennis (try asking them about current players and you’ll get wispy looks of confusion) and are sometimes proud to deny people entry.

Since arriving for the qualifying, numerous players I know have gone through the same routine. People constantly late to meetings, transport, practices, or important events simply because a funny security guard holds them up. It’s not even the traffic this year! And it usually takes one or two supervisors (who are never around) to finally “OK” someone to pass through a friggen’ hallway after you provide a detailed resume, a clean police record, and a passport with the last five cities you’ve lived in. Even then, you’re still treated as a “security threat” and a criminal.

I travel full time on tour and most of the players would say the U.S. Open gives them the most problems when it comes to security, transportation, and credentials. It is certainly not a favorite amongst the players not in the limelight. There just seems to be a certain inhumane way the players are treated here, that’s why some will simply show up to pick up a paycheck and leave. Things are obviously different if you’re Roger Federer or someone in those rankings, but if America prides itself on “equality”, a few of its individuals are showcasing a behavior that’s very hypocritical.

The best quotes I’ve heard so far from the mouths of actual security guards and supervisors I talked to are as follows:

“It’s a headache for both parties.” – Hmm that’s funny we don’t have headaches anywhere else?

“Last year I didn’t let Spongebob in (Proudly).” – When there are absolutely no matches on Kids’ day of course.

“You know, we’ve heard it all, every story. And there’s nothing I can do, even if it is the father of the player. No credential, no entry.” – The girl just wants to share the experience of playing in the largest junior tennis tournament of her life with her father and you’re going to deny them that historical and significant moment simply because of a plastic badge?

“You are doing a phenomenal job, you haven’t let anyone pass. And you may think you’re doing a good thing or being kind by letting someone through, but you’ll end up getting fired. You don’t want to get fired do you?” – The ridiculous thing about this one is that it came from the head supervisor lady.

You wouldn’t believe the sarcastic nature of these power-drunk “supervisors” either. It’s not like we’re putting money in their pockets or anything.The hilarity and stupidity of the situation continues. We do appreciate the opportunity to compete and thank all the people working day and night behind the scenes for their efforts.

Topics: Billie Jean King Tennis Center, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis News, Tennis Players, US Open, Usta

Follow 10SBALLS.COM on:

Facebook:

Twitter:

10sBalls_com says:

August 31, 2013 at 11:33 am

Players Frustrated by Security at U.S. Open – http://t.co/YzOqpMyIRx #tennis @usopen @usta @BleacherReport @ESPNTennis #USOpen