Michael Fiur, the organizer of the US Open, talked about misfiring on a performance by a teenage Taylor Swift more than 20 years ago.
Swift, a 14-time Grammy winner, received one of her first significant public appearances when she sang the national anthem at the US Open in 2003, just before she returned to the Grand Slam with boyfriend Travis Kelce this past summer.
Speaking on the ‘Served’ podcast with Andy Roddick, Fiur discussed Swift’s current success. He went on to say that missing out on a Swift performance was the “worst decision I ever made.”
‘So in 2002, a guy named Merv Heller was president of the USTA,’ said Fiur, who has been part of the US Open’s festivities for more than 20 years.
Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve… pic.twitter.com/AhrdpGJBt3
— Served with Andy Roddick (@Served_Podcast) September 25, 2024
‘He said, a friend of mine, Scott Swift, is a lawyer and his 12-year-old daughter sings and plays the guitar, and would you let her come and be one of your people that sings the national anthem before the matches at night, and so, we were like sure.’
‘And then comes the worst decision I ever made,’ Fiur added. ‘A year later, her father asked us would we put her on Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, and we said, you know, she’s just taking off, she’s really country, we don’t think that will play in New York.’
Roddick, the 2003 US Open winner replied, ‘You understand this is going to be public, right?’
In return, Fiur continued to own up to his mistake, repeating: ‘Worst decision I ever made.’
Swift’s career has taken off since she made her stage debut at Arthur Ashe when she was just a youngster.
Swift is set to conclude her record-breaking Eras Tour in December, having earlier this year published her 11th studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department.”
Swift’s career has taken off since she made her stage debut at Arthur Ashe when she was just a youngster.
Swift and Kelce gave Arthur Ashe a sweetheart look earlier this month as they watched Taylor Fritz and Jannik Sinner compete in the US Open men’s final.
Swift did not attend Sunday’s game in Atlanta, having attended the Chiefs’ opening two games in Kansas City this season. The reigning champions are 3-0 as they proceed with their quest for a triple crown.
Swift did not attend Sunday’s game in Atlanta, having attended the Chiefs’ opening two games in Kansas City this season. The reigning champions are 3-0 as they proceed with their quest for a triple crown.
Amy Cooper
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