Woodbridge: Winning in the city that never sleeps

The US Open is a powerful tournament to be a part of. For players, the event throws up more distractions than any other event by virtue of being in New York.

Psychologically, nothing ever runs smoothly there: just getting to Flushing Meadows without having any problems is really important. There have been many players that have arrived late at the venue because of the Manhattan traffic.

Distractions come in various forms – and not just from the city itself.

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There is a different type of fan at the US Open. They are there for their own entertainment, and they expect you to perform for them. You can be ravaged by the crowd in that environment – particularly if you are playing against an American. They can be loud, aggressive and change the momentum of matches.

The noise is a factor there, too. You can be on an outside court and there is a jazz band playing behind you. There’s the smell of hamburgers and hot dogs. In the late afternoon, when the Arthur Ashe day session ends, massive queues – literally thousands of people – are waiting for the night session to begin. They are not really interested in the outside courts, and you have to play around that and block it out.

Physically, it’s a really draining event. The first week can be very hot and humid – you’ll see more players on the men’s side struggling with cramp than at any other tournament because of the loss of fluids.

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There’s usually a weather change later in the fortnight, but to get to that point you need to be fitter and more prepared for the US than at any other tournament. As a player, if you can maintain yourself with a good, relaxed nervous energy, sometimes you can simply outlast your opponent.

And the courts are fast. The outside courts, which get more play, are particularly speedy. Out there, it’s about game style and how to control a light ball. The court is slicker than the plexicushion at Australian Open, and you have to adjust your game style for that.

To be successful, you have to be in the mindset to take all of that on. If you can do that, interact with the crowds and get them on your side, you will do well.