US Open 2023: A Reflection of New York’s Problems
The recently concluded US Open in New York City showcased everything that has gone wrong with the city in the past four years. From the pervasive smell of marijuana to rowdy fans and disruptive protests, the tournament highlighted the challenges that the city faces.
The issue of pot smoke was brought to the forefront when Greek player Maria Sakkari complained about the strong smell on the court. This is not surprising to New Yorkers, who have grown accustomed to the permanent stench of marijuana on the streets, in parks, and even in their own homes. Sakkari’s surprise at the smell reflects the need for a collective effort to address this problem.
Another issue that marred the tournament was the behavior of some fans. Tennis matches are supposed to be a civilized affair, with fans expected to adhere to a certain level of etiquette. However, many fans were seen sneaking in cheap alcohol and getting drunk to the point of disrupting the matches. One fan even chanted a slogan favored by Hitler, leading to their expulsion from the event. This lack of decorum is a reflection of a larger problem in society, where people have become ruder and quicker to anger.
Protests also disrupted the tournament, with climate activists causing a delay of nearly an hour during a semi-final match. While their intentions may be noble, their guerrilla tactics only add to the tension and chaos of public events. Organizers and security personnel now have to second-guess attendees’ every move, fearing that someone might resort to violence or vandalism.
The sense of fatalism that permeates New York City was also evident during the tournament. Russian player Daniil Medvedev warned of the dangers of playing in extreme heat, proclaiming that “one player gonna die.” While his statement was dramatic and unfounded, it reflects the pervasive sense of helplessness that has settled over the city since the COVID-19 pandemic. Too many New Yorkers have lost faith in their ability to thrive and have succumbed to a sense of resignation.
However, it is important to remember that New York has overcome challenges in the past. Thirty-three years ago, during the US Open in 1990, a tragic event occurred when a young tennis player was fatally stabbed while defending his family on a subway platform. This incident deeply affected then-Mayor David Dinkins, who was a passionate tennis fan. It spurred him to take action and turn the city around.
While New York City still faces serious problems, such as rising crime rates, it is not as bad off as it once was. The city has shown that it has the capacity to tackle these challenges and make progress. If it can reduce the number of murders from 2,262 in 1990 to 292 in 2017, there is hope that it can address the issues highlighted during the US Open as well.
The US Open should have been an opportunity for New York City to showcase its best self to the world. Instead, it highlighted the problems that the city faces on a daily basis. It is crucial for New Yorkers to come together and address these issues, whether it is the smell of marijuana, the behavior of fans, or the disruptions caused by protests. By doing so, the city can reclaim its reputation as a competent and sophisticated metropolis.
[Nicole Gelinas](https://www.manhattan-institute.org/expert/nicole-gelinas) is a contributing editor to the Manhattan Institute’s City Journal.
Original Story at nypost.com – 2023-09-10 21:40:00
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