Fans back; some stars out; line judges leave

Daniil Medvedev can offer a unique perspective on U.S. Open spectators: During his run to the final two years ago, he transformed from a hated villain who taunted the paying customers to a fan favorite backed by raucous support from some of those same folks.

So the second-seeded Russian, twice a Grand Slam runner-up, is as eager as anyone to see what things will be like Monday night when he steps into Arthur Ashe Stadium on Day 1 of the tournament.

Ticket holders were barred in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, but the stands will be at 100% capacity again.

"It's going to be funny on my first match to see how the crowd reacts to see me back in New York with fans here. I just hope, because it finished on a good note, it's going to continue the same way,” said Medvedev, who faces Richard Gasquet on Day 1.

“I love a New York crowd. It was (an) amazing experience in 2019, in every aspect. I'm just curious to see what it's going to be like.”

Back then, Medvedev was jeered in Week 1 for his oncourt behavior, and trolled his detractors by sarcastically thanking them, saying their vitriol was why he won — but by Week 2, the seats were packed with people pulling for him during a fiveset loss to Rafael Nadal in the title match.

This time around, everyone 12 and older must show proof of at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to enter the National Tennis Center, a change in policy announced Friday.

Players don't need to be vaccinated; about half are, according to the ATP and WTA tours.

The U.S. Open is the first tennis major allowing fans at full capacity for the full two weeks since the Australian Open in January-February 2020.

“Having fans back is a total delight. It's a treat . ... Especially New Yorkers. I mean, what better fans to have for our first 100% go than the local New York crowd?” said Reilly Opelka, an American seeded 22nd.

“That's what makes the U.S. Open the U.S. Open. That's what makes sports in New York so iconic. That's why the Yankees are a legendary team, the Knicks, as well. It's the fans, the fan base, the culture of New York, New Yorkers.”

One on-court storyline outweighs all others: Novak Djokovic aims to make history in two significant ways at the U.S. Open. He can become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all four Grand Slam singles titles in a season and he can break the men's record of 20 career majors he shares with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

“That would be incredible to witness,” said Casper Ruud, a Norwegian who is seeded No. 8.