The numbers, ’9-11-01′, representing the date of the attacks on the World Trade Centre (WTC), in 2001, will be painted beside the court at the US Open, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the infamous day.
“Rather than imposing what 9-11 means”, explained Jon Vegosen, chief at the US Tennis Association, “our goal is to mark this very solemn occasion in a dignified and respectful matter”. The banner, which will be painted in white, will appear on the side of the court opposite the umpire’s chair, close to the net.
Bosses say that security will be noticeably tighter this year, than in previous instalments of the US Open, although organisers have refused to disclose the reason for the increased police presence. However, the likelihood is, that the security boost is related to the fact that the men’s singles final – a huge event in world sport – will be played on the anniversary of the WTC attacks.
The women’s final, which the US Open 2011 tennis betting suggests will feature a rampant Serena Williams, will be contested on September 10, a day earlier.
An ‘honour guard’ of New York firemen and police officers will watch over the path leading to centre court at the men’s singles final, while the court itself will be decorated with the Stars and Stripes. Betfair tennis US openfans will be hoping everything goes smoothly.
Also, military jets will perform a flyover of the Billie Jean King Tennis Centre, at Flushing Meadows. “You don’t want to go over the top, and you don’t want to be too understated”, explained Vegosen.
Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, and all the other tennis players entering the US Open, will be given an commemorative hat, with the same ’9-11-01′ stitched into the side.
