US Open‘s infamous roofing issues get questioned again! This time John McEnroe himself! As tennis legends battle it out for one last shot at glory in the year, there’s one adversary that always keeps players and organizers on their toes: the weather. Arthur Ashe Stadium, the tournament’s main arena, boasts a massive retractable roof worth a staggering $150 million.

Now John McEnroe has added to the narrative of the roof possibly being set up for the Novak Djokovic vs. Taylor Fritz quarterfinal match at the US Open.

American tennis icon John McEnroe’s take on Djokovic vs. Fritz US Open weather drama

Arthur Ashe’s multi-million dollar roof ensures that rain doesn’t disrupt the world-famous tennis tournament. But behind the scenes, it’s not as simple as pushing a button to close the roof. MeteoFrance Sport’s team diligently monitors weather conditions on-site and provides crucial updates to the tournament referee. Their expertise allows for precise weather forecasting, factoring in critical environmental factors like rain, air temperature, humidity, and wind speed.

When heavy rain started pouring over Arthur Ashe Stadium earlier in the day, fans were relieved to see the fancy $150 million roof smoothly closing, preventing any delays due to the rain. However, in the midst of the downpour, tennis legend John McEnroe mentioned while on his commentator duties, “Novak (Djokovic) will play in the afternoon, the hottest day of the tournament. (mid-90s F) Will they close the roof (again) tomorrow?”

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McEnroe’s quip came as Novak Djokovic’s match against Taylor Fritz was rescheduled for the next afternoon. With temperatures expected to soar into the mid-90s Fahrenheit, McEnroe’s jab highlighted the unpredictable nature of weather during the US Open. McEnroe recently returned to his ESPN role as a lead tennis commentator after battling with Covid.

Nonetheless, Flushing Meadows’ swanky architecture remains a needle in the side for many, from the USTA to players like Djokovic himself. But it seems to be an outcome of McEnroe lobbying after the US Tennis Association officials to put a roof over the Arthur Ashe Stadium, which was built to replace Louis Armstrong Stadium in 1997.

As per Reuters in 2009, he said, “My idea for utilising it not only when it rains but to allow for stadium use year around, and for other things, like have some kind of tennis academy and have kids stay there.”

When Djokovic was unhappy with “no circulation” at the Arthur Ashe Stadium

The retractable roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium might be a technological marvel, but it too has its shortcomings. One major factor was overlooked in its construction – proper circulation. Possibly more a bane than a boon, the claustrophobic conditions created by the closed roof will only add to the woes of a recent spate of players suffering from the humidity and soaring temperatures in New York. Now, Djokovic too has been on the fateful side of things in the past.

In 2018, Reuters reported Novak Djokovic’s complaints after his quarterfinal clash against John Millman: “I personally have never sweated as much as I have here…” He continued, “Obviously it’s fantastic to have the roof… (but with) so many players struggling to breathe, especially on the center court… there’s no circulation at all, especially court level, that’s something to really think about, consider and address.”

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As fans eagerly await Djokovic’s match on what’s expected to be the hottest afternoon at the US Open, McEnroe’s comment reminds us that even with advanced technology, new problems may arise. Who do you think will emerge victorious between the veteran Serb, Novak Djokovic, or the crowd favorite, Taylor Fritz at the quarter-finals showdown at the US Open? Or will it be the roof that wreaks havoc instead?

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