The US Open is often referred to as the “People’s Slam,” and for good reason. Few tournaments give fans as much access to players, and many players enjoy being able to have experiences with their supporters.
Crowds at the Open tend to be livelier, and the timing of the event puts it squarely at the end of summer vacation – allowing more children to attend. The tournament has been filled with great tennis and fun moments, but some fans have taken things a step too far.
Polish CEO Piotr Szczerek snatched a hat from a player earlier this week, and issued a public apology for his actions on Monday through his company’s social media account.
Another fan is facing scrutiny after appearing to attempt a similar act against the world’s No. 1 player.
Another Post-Match Incident Involving a Fan
Video shows men’s No. 1 player Jannik Sinner walking toward children to sign autographs and hand out tennis balls. Sinner’s bag was on his shoulder at the time, and an adult fan attempted to grab one of the zippers on the bag before being pushed away by security.
“This guy tried to steal something from Sinner’s bag,” said the caption to the video on social media. Tennis fans were outraged, and demanded accountability for the fan’s conduct.
“What is happening to adults this year?,” one fan asked, bringing up the two aforementioned incidents as well as a shrieking fan during the Taylor Townsend-Barbora Krejcikova match that distracted television viewers.
“Every day, the quality of attendants at tennis tournaments seems to get worse,” another fan said.
“They’re trying to grab things they can sell on eBay. Same thing with all of the autograph hounding,” one fan suggested.
“It’s surely making the rounds on the Web, make this act as viral as possible, plus he had even given him the towel … and caught on camera too. Imbecile,” said another fan.
What’s Next For Jannik Sinner?
Sinner continues to win in the tournament, and many fans are excited about the possibility of another final against Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner and Alcaraz have met in the last two Grand Slam finals, splitting victories at Wimbledon and Roland Garros.
Alcaraz defeated Sinner in a marathon five-set classic in France, a match regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the sport. Two months later, Sinner would claim victory at Wimbledon.
Both players have reached the quarterfinals, and will look to advance to the final major championship of the tennis year.
We’ll see if the best two players in the world will meet on the grandest stage of them all – and if fans can improve their conduct at the most accessible Grand Slam in tennis.
