How the Players, Chair Umpires and Ball Persons Get into the Main Draw
The second-oldest of professional tennis’ four majors, first played in 1881, the US Open is a dream not only for players, but for line judges, chair umpires and even the kids who run down the balls. Just how does a person get one of those coveted opportunities?
The Selection Process for Playing in the US Open
The main draw for all four majors, including the US Open, is set at 128. There are generally three ways that a professional tennis play may receive a spot in the main draw of any one of the four major:
- The player is ranked among the top 104 players who register for the tournament—This does not mean that the player must be in the top 104 in the world. If players ranked among the top 104 in the world are not available, tournament officials will keep going down the rankings until 104 spots are filled.
- The player earns a spot through the qualifying rounds—Before the main draw is played, another full tournament is played, with 128 players battling for the final 16 spots. Players must win three consecutive matches over four days.
- Eight players receive wild cards to play in the tournament—These spots in the main draw are awarded by the tournament organization. Common recipients include legendary local players, future stars and players coming back from injuries.
How Are the Chair Umpires Selected?
The chair umpires for the US Open are selected by the Unites States Tennis Association (USTA), based a wide range of criteria:
- They must have completed a Level 3 chair judge school, earning them a bronze badge (although most chair umpires at the US Open hold a silver or a gold badge, based on work rate and performance, as evaluated by the ATP, WTA and ITF.
- Priority is given to chair umpires who have previously worked at grand slam tournaments
- Chair umpires are regularly evaluated by the different professional tennis organizations. Priority is given to those who are most highly rated.
- Chair umpires must be qualified to handle both men’s and women’s singles matches
How Do You Get to Be a Ball Person at the US Open?
Anyone who is at least 14, but younger than 18, can be on the US Open ball crew. Tryouts are held in the middle of June each year for the upcoming tournament. Because so many people apply, the tournament committee can only select some of the applicants. The factors that go into making that selection include knowledge of the sport of tennis, athletic ability and experience as a ball person.
