NEW YORK—Sloane Stephens rocked Arthur Ashe Stadium last September.
Sounds circulating the new Louis Armstrong Stadium weren't music to Stephens' ears on Monday.
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The reigning US Open champion said her debut on the new 14,000-seat stadium was, well, noisy.
"No, it was just loud," Stephens said after sweeping Evgeniya Rodina in her US Open opener. "There was a lot going on, like I said, between the airplanes and the subway behind the court, the concessions being in the lower bowl, and people walking in the games at, like, 2-All, 3-All. There's just a lot going on.
"Yes, it was fun to play first day on a brand-new stadium court. But there was a lot happening."
Juan Martin del Potro offered a different reaction following his 6-0, 6-3, 6-4, demolition of Donald Young on Armstrong Stadium.
The 2009 champion said Armstrong acoustics made the sound of the ball off the strings clear and he appreciated the fans being closer to the court than in the cavernous Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"I like it a lot," del Potro said. "The stadium seems so good. I like to be closer with the people. The sounds of the ball are great. I think the people could create a good atmosphere for the next matches."
The new Louis Armstrong Stadium offers on open concourse with food vendors so fans can still watch the match while waiting in line.
The stadium, which features a retractable roof, is designed to keep fans shaded against the sometime brutal New York City summer sun.
Stephens said the court is gorgeous, but the noise is nuisance.
"The court is nice. It's beautiful," Stephens said. "It's a beautiful place. I mean, any court you get to play on that's brand spanking new is super cool."
The third seed said she looks forward to the sights and sounds of a packed Armstrong.
"Like I said, it's very loud," Stephens said. "It's a great court. I'm sure when it's packed in there, the stadium is full, it will be an amazing atmosphere. That's all you really want for a good tennis match and for the fans. I think it's really nothing better."
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