“Seemed Like They Were Hiding Something”: Noah Rubin Roasts US Open 2020 Organizers

The US Open 2020 concluded just a few days back, and it produced a new Grand Slam champion on the men’s side in Dominic Thiem. On the women’s side, Naomi Osaka returned to the top and won her second US Open title. But there were some issues that disturbed the tournament.

American player Noah Rubin, in an interview with The Jerusalem Post, talked about the bio-bubble that the officials had created for the tournament. Like other players, Rubin also complained about the lack of communication between the organizers and players.

“It was great, [but] then there were issues that they handled poorly. It didn’t seem they were ready. They didn’t really tell us everything. It seemed like they were hiding something. And there was a lack of consistency. Top players were put on a pedestal.”

Noah Rubin on the efforts of the US Open 2020 organizers

The US Open created a lot of confusion when Benoit Paire had tested positive for the coronavirus. The French players who had come in contact with Paire were initially allowed to continue in the event but were later told to quarantine despite negative COVID-19 tests.

Further, Noah credited the USTA for the effort they put in to make the tournament as safe as possible. “At first, there were very few problems. It was great. I gave them so much credit before the tournament – for how much work they put in.”

Rubin also talked about the experience of staying in the bubble and playing without fans. “They had basketball [in the hotel] – it was fun shooting hoops – and they had mini-golf, but there is only so much 9-hole mini-golf you can play!”

“The thrill is with the fans, but I am used to not having people at my matches.”

The positive coronavirus case caused a huge mix-up in the tournament. Many players were disappointed and stunned with the implementation of certain rules. World No.1 Novak Djokovic had also raised the issue with regards to communication between the players and the organizations handling the tournaments.

Read More: “This is What Sport is All About”: Novak Djokovic Praises Zverev and Thiem After US Open 2020 Finals