Patrick Galbraith knows what it takes to win the US Open—and help run the Flushing Meadows major.
The USTA President is a two-time US Open mixed doubles champion and ended 1993 as part of the No. 1-ranked men’s doubles team with partner Grant Connell.
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In an interview with USTA Eastern's Natalie Dagnall for the section's Acing A Tennis Career video series, Galbraith said the 2020 US Open, which will be the first Grand Slam staged without fans, will offer television viewers the most unique sight lines in US Open history.
That's because host broadcaster ESPN has permission to place cameras anywhere it wants without any fans to block camera angles.
"We’re gonna do some exciting things," Galbraith told Natalie Dagnall. "ESPN is very excited about airing this because they’re not locked in to where their normal TV cameras can go. So they can be anywhere around the court where they want to be and do any angle they want. It’s live content—it’s gonna be fun.
"They’re going to be able to have an event or two before the US Open to get warmed up be ready to go. I think it’s a great way to re-open the city of New York as well."
Four players, including world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, tested positive for the coronavirus after playing the Djokovic-led Adria Tour, putting the spotlight on safety protocol when the ATP Tour resumes on August 14th at the Citi Open in Washington, DC.
Galbraith says safety is the top priority for US Open staff, which is operating with physical distancing "as if we're playing today."
“First, I’m really excited that we’re going to have tennis in America again and we’re opening up,” Galbraith said. “It was really on us to see if we could host the US Open to see if there were any other tournaments that would be played in the United States. I’m glad our team figured out a way to do it.
"We’re managing it as if we’re playing today. And doing that we have to have physical distancing. We have no idea what it’s gonna be like in two and a half months."
Facing the unknown will be part of a very unique 2020 US Open.
“From here until the last ball is hit at the US Open we’ll be holding our breath that we’re be able to do this," Galbraith said. "Our priority is number one to do it in a safe way for our players that are guests and our staff. We believe we’re there.
"The second is it good for tennis? We believe it is absolutely good for tennis."
Photo credit: USTA Facebook