The Australian Open has been a pioneer in roofed show courts for years. Slowly but surely the other Grand Slam tournaments follow suit.
Visitors to the US Open 2017 first had to find their way around: The Louis Armstrong Stadium was recorded on the daily schedule – alone, at the place where the world’s largest tennis stadium for decades was standing, there was only a construction site to be seen. Not surprisingly – the USTA had announced the new building. The surprise was the name of the provisional denture, which reminded us of the legendary jazz musician.
The special charm of the temporary courtyard was fed above all by a mighty tree whose branches rose majestically over the seats. Not unpleasant for the spectators, but rather critical of insurance issues. Dominic Thiem successfully played Taylor Fritz and Adrian Mannarino, while Julia Görges narrowly beat the eventual winner Sloane Stephens.
However, this is a thing of the past. Construction work is progressing well, as the USTA informed via Twitter some time ago. In the coming year everything will be back in its usual place. Just looking more modern.
In Wimbledon the fans have to be patient: The roofing of the Court Number 1 has been decided, but will not be finished until 2019. After all, the first supports are already in place.
Meanwhile, nothing can be heard from Paris. However, a roof covering of the Court Philippe Chatrier is not expected before 2020. At least that’s what Tournament Director Guy Forget said at the latest edition of the French Open.