Why this year’s US Open was so awesome
![Sep 11, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Stan Wawrinka (SUI) poses with the trophy after his match against Novak Djokovic (SRB) on day fourteen of the 2016 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports Sep 11, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Stan Wawrinka (SUI) poses with the trophy after his match against Novak Djokovic (SRB) on day fourteen of the 2016 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/779a4c4ac0202eeeade9211c3d1bb3df0d2ebce02c1155d5438f731ecedfc6a3.jpg)
The new renovations provided massive spectator improvements, there were surprise champions and contenders, weird moments in the quarters and semis, lots of famous faces in the audience, and fashion that was loud and crazy. In other words, it was quintessential US Open.
The new roof works!
The design by architectural firm Rosetti blends in nicely with Arthur Ashe stadium and efficiently closes in 20 minutes. It allowed play to progress on schedule, plus it reduced the famous wind felt in the nose-bleed seats and was pretty fun to watch close. Although there were complaints at first because of the noise heard from the rain pounding against the enclosed roof, it gave the tournament a more intimate feel and how much fun was it to see Rafael Nadal try to hit the top of it after his match with Seppi? $600 million well spent.
With Wimbledon, the Australian Open, and now the US Open, only the French Open is left to battle the elements. Phillip Chartrier was scheduled to have one installed by 2018, but just announced this summer that construction has been delayed until 2020. C’est horrible.