In 2001, a young Taylor Swift graced the US Open stage, performing the national anthem. The following year, she returned to sing “America the Beautiful” at just 13 years old. However, a shocking revelation emerged on the “Served with Andy Roddick” podcast, where US Open entertainment producer Michael Fiur admitted to a decision that haunts him to this day.
Fiur, with an impressive resume including 29 Super Bowls and 28 consecutive US Opens, revealed that he declined Taylor Swift’s request to perform at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day in 2003. “She’s just taking off, she’s really country; we don’t think that would play in New York,” Fiur explained.
Despite the star-studded lineup of Opening Night performers over the years, including Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Kelly Clarkson, Fiur acknowledges that the decision to pass on Swift was a major misstep. “Worst decision I ever made,” he confessed.
The US Open has since evolved significantly, embracing diversity and inclusion. In 2019, the tournament launched its first Open Pride event, showcasing LGBTQ+ culture. Fiur expressed pride in the organization’s commitment to these values, stating, “To see this now become part of the fabric of the Open… makes me very proud to be associated with an organization that has these beliefs and shares my beliefs.”
Andy Roddick, a former US Open champion, emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating different cultures in tennis. “Someone being gay or Black or anything else was just so normal in tennis,” he said. “I’m glad it’s being represented by the US Open.”
Fiur has since learned to balance entertainment with the priority of tennis. “Over time, tournament directors tried to drum into me that tennis does come first,” he said. This year’s US Open featured a record-breaking Opening Day attendance, with Alicia Keys performing her Broadway hit “Kaleidoscope.”
The US Open’s growth post-COVID has been remarkable, with fans eager to experience live events. “I think people desire to experience live events, be around people again,” Fiur said. “The last couple of years have been off the charts.”
