It is a sight to behold to see a big tennis match with loud cheers and distinct racquet sounds. That’s what happens at Arthur Ashe Stadium. It is one of the biggest venues in the world and it presents a rather distinct acoustic atmosphere. However, this has also been the cause of major concern for players. Speaking about the same, Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian beauty, reflected on her music preference and how it would impact her game.

Currently playing in the US Open, she has made her way into the round of 16. Her attention however seems to have compromised and she has chosen to be vocal about the effect of the atmosphere created at Arthur Ashe. She isn’t the first to do so, previously, tennis legend Novak Djokovic and up-and-comer Frances Tiafoe, have both also raised their concerns about the noise issue.

Ons Jabeur raises concern over the choice of music at the US Open

In the midst of all the noise and excitement at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Ons Jabeur has a different idea. She wants soft, soothing music to be played during the matches. Why? Well, Jabeur thinks it would be helpful.

In a recent interview, she explained that soft music could make the atmosphere more relaxing. And in those tough moments during a match, it could help her think about what she’s doing right or wrong. This request comes after other players like Novak Djokovic and Frances Tiafoe complained about how loud the stadium can get with both music and fans cheering.

“Can we have this (soft music) in the tennis match? That’ll be very helpful.  It’s more relaxing and in tough moments, it will help me reflect on what I was doing right or wrong in the match,” said Ons in the interview.

Jabeur’s idea is unique. She believes that by adding calm music to the mix, players and fans can have a moment to relax and reflect, even in the midst of all the excitement. It’s a request that shows her special approach to the game, offering a peaceful oasis in the middle of all the tennis action.

However, this is not the first time that players have raised their voices regarding this concern. There have been multiple instances when the players have complained that the loud music often feels like a distraction in the match.

Novak Djokovic says that Arthur Ashe is the loudest stadium in tennis

Not long before, Novak Djokovic made the remark citing the Arthur Ashe Stadium to be the loudest stadium in the sport. He also went ahead to say that there are many things that combine with the sound of the stadium. The first is the fact that it is the biggest. Second, the construction of the roof causes the sound to echo more. Over and over, he mentioned that everything here is a related factor to loud sounds.

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A clearly disgruntled Djokovic stated, “The biggest stadium in our sport, the loudest stadium in our sport. It’s the size. It’s the echo because of the roof construction. It’s everything combined.” This sentiment is shared by tennis icon Martina Navratilova who remarked, “First you hear the ball and then you see it. … That helps you track the ball. When you don’t have that sensory input, it’s like, ‘Where is the ball?’”. An element of the game that she admits she would’ve struggled with were she to have played at the venue

Another critic was none other than America’s own Frances Tiafoe. He also humorously called the sound of the stadium to be ‘insanely loud’. Thus, these instances reflect some of the major things that players have to deal with playing in Arthur Ashe Stadium. With all these remarks from seasoned vets, it remains to be seen if Jabeur’s request will be adhered to in an effort to improve the game.

Do you think Arthur Ashe is a compromised tennis stadium? What is the viewing experience like for a fan? Let us know in the comments

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