Iga Swiatek says a new policy implemented at this year’s US Open allowing the free movement of spectators during matches is having little impact on her focus in the tournament.
In New York rules have been brought in to break away from the tradition of fans staying quiet during matches. This year attendees can move around whenever they want, even during matches, on certain sections of every court. Another change is that fans can enter and exit matches after every game instead of waiting for multiple games to be played. Similar rules were also used at the Australian Open earlier this year.
The new policy has received a boost from world No.1 Swiatek, who said she was ‘fine’ with fans moving around but admits it will take time to get used to it. The Pole was questioned about the topic following her 6-4, 6-1, win over Liudmila Samsonova in the fourth round on Monday. It is her 12th consecutive win over a top 20 player at a Grand Slam event which is a milestone that has only been achieved by three other female players over the past four decades – Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and Serena Williams.
“I think it’s something that we have to adjust to and something that I have to work on in terms of getting my focus in the right place,” Swiatek said of the new rules regarding the crowd.
“For sure I’m gonna wait when people behind my opponent are walking because I want to see clearly when she throws the ball. I don’t want to lose it when somebody moves.
“I think this is the only part where I’m just going to wait. I think the chair umpires are allowing that for now. I hope it stays that way.”
Organizers hope their relaxed approach will create a more positive experience for fans attending Flushing Meadows and help attract new spectators to the sport. However, players could be less in favor of the rules depending on where they are playing.
“It’s going to be more difficult on smaller stadiums when the people walking are going to be closer to you,” Swiatek points out.
“For now it’s been fine. I played two tournaments with this rule, and I feel like I could focus, so that’s fine for me.”
Swiatek will next play Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals of the US Open on Wednesday. A player who she has a winning 6-3 head-to-head record against. She is hoping to win the tournament for a second time after 2022.
