USTA Nebraska Official Chosen For US Open

Local official Lisa Rieff will be representing USTA Nebraska while serving as a Line Umpire at the 2019 US Open from August 26 through September 8 in New York City. This is Lisa’s 6th year as an official at Flushing Meadows.

USTA Nebraska is proud to be represented in the group of hard-working officials who have been chosen to officiate at the 2019 tournament. We got in touch with Rieff before she made the trip to New York and chatted about her upcoming US Open experience.

USTA.com: How has your officiating duties in the USTA Missouri Valley prepared you for this opportunity?

Rieff: The Missouri Valley has prepared me for this role by first giving me two mentors to teach me the ropes of officiating. Then, I attended a line clinic in Kansas City to learn proper techniques. From there, I started working pro circuit events in the Missouri Valley as a line umpire. After working within the Missouri Valley for several years, I branched out to more events and worked my first Open in 2014.

USTA.com: What is the biggest difference in working the US Open tournament as compared to a Missouri Valley tournament? 

Rieff: Most pro circuit tournaments in the Missouri Valley are about one week in duration and would staff about 20-25 people. The Open is three full weeks and roughly 350 umpires are staffed to work it. The Open also has Hawkeye technology on all 17 courts.

USTA.com: What are you looking forward to the most about this experience?

Rieff: The Open is an incredible experience. I look forward to seeing all the friends I've met, not only from all over the US, but from all over the world! It's a great chance to broaden your horizons. I'm also looking forward to sharing a few days in NYC with two of my daughters. It will be their first time here and everyone is so excited for the trip!

USTA.com: What's in your bag? (i.e. how Tennis Channel does the bag check) 

Rieff: Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm and dental floss. Those four items are a must for me! I also have an umbrella, ponytail holders and bobby pins. I carry several pens and highlighters to mark my daily crew sheets. I also always have some cough drops and hard candy available to keep my throat moist for calling lines.

The US Open is the highest-attended annual sporting event in the world, and is held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens. To follow all things 2019 US Open, check out the official US Open Series website.