Good morning, Court Theorists! ☕️☀️🎢
Today’s tennis mood: Newly re-annoyed with the U.S. Open but thrilled for today’s matches.
Let’s tennis!
-Allen
🎾 On tap: It’s quarterfinals day (part two) in Cincinnati, and all of today’s matches feature Americans — which is important for no other reason than we’re heading into the U.S. Open and the pressure is on. Is Madison Keys ready for a red-hot Sara Bejlek after her massive win over Aryna Sabalenka? At three apiece, who will take the head-to-head lead in Frances Tiafoe vs. Lorenzo Musetti? In the all-American match-up, has Brandon Nakashima leveled up enough for a win over Taylor Fritz? And who will emerge the victor in the topsy-turvy match-up that is Coco Gauff vs. Marta Kostyuk?
🎾 Scam Week: If you are planning on attending Fan Week at the U.S. Open, let’s hope you have already signed up for the Fan Access Pass. Because this year, without it, you’re not able to access the grounds — and it’s no longer accepting new registrants “due to high demand.” Further, even if you do have the Fan Access Pass, it’s no guarantee you’re getting in.
What they said: “Thank you for your incredible enthusiasm for Fan Week! New registrations for Fan Access Pass are now closed due to high demand. We appreciate your understanding and support,” the registration page says. “Please note that Fan Access Pass registration and/or RSVP to Fan Week events does not guarantee entry, and entry is first-come, first-served. In order to maintain a fun, comfortable, and safe environment for all attendees, capacity limits apply.
Previously: For decades, U.S. Open qualifying has been free and open to the public to come and go as they please. In recent years, the Fan Access Pass was only required during the tournament if you wanted to get into certain activations or if you wanted closer seats on certain courts.
The problem: The change this year was not articulated to tennis fans. The overwhelming majority of people only found out about this policy after the cut-off.
And another thing: In recent years, U.S. Open organizers have swept aside the insane grounds pass prices by saying Fan Week was the perfect remedy. Not anymore.
🎾 One to watch: Brandon Nakashima vs. Taylor Fritz (Quarterfinals - ATP 1000 - Cincinnati): Watch this one for a Washington rematch. Based on form in Cincy (and, for Nakashima, Montreal), this should be an outstanding hard court match. It will likely be determined by Fritz’s fitness and Nakashima’s nerves.
The record: Taylor Fritz leads the head-to-head record over Brandon Nakashima 4-1, with the most recent match a three-set battle on the hard courts of Washington.
On the line: This match represents the same thing for both players: a chance to build more confidence going into the U.S. Open after some serious highs this summer — but also a few head-scratchers causing some doubt, too.
🎾 🏆 🎤 YOUR CALL
(Yesterday’s poll results: 55% of you called for Elena Rybakina to defeat Iga Swiatek. Swiatek won by retirement.)
And that’s game.
