Six USTA Missouri Valley officials share their US Open experiences

How has officiating changed since your first US Open?

Conway: My first Open, I was a line umpire. As we all know, all the lines now are called electronically. Nowadays, if you are one of the lucky ones and get to work at the US Open, our jobs have totally changed from the old line-umpire days. We now assist the chair umpire by making sure the courts are ready to play, escorting players during breaks and act as a backup if the electronic calling system goes down.

Flentie: There’s much more technology. It would take some getting used to if I had to go back to a paper scorecard.

Kilgore: The biggest change is not having line umpires anymore.

Lady: When I first started working at the US Open, I worked as a line umpire. I was a line umpire for five years. In 2020 with COVID, the US Open was quite different. The use of electronic line calling accelerated, and we no longer have line umpires.

The last four years I have worked as a match assistant. Match assistants perform many of the duties that were previously handled by the service-line umpire, such as opening balls and replacing lost balls. We also escort players to the restroom or cooling room and assist the chair umpire with various on-court responsibilities. It has been interesting to see how much the officiating role has evolved, primarily due to ELC, since I first started at the Open.

Lawrence: Obviously, technology has changed tremendously over the past 20 years. Not only with electronic line calling but also with electronic tablets replacing scorecards and many other advancements.

Ritchie: The creation of a new official’s role as match assistant has been one of the biggest changes in officiating.

What’s one place or moment behind the scenes at the US Open that reminds you how special the event is?

Conway: One of the places that amazes me is standing in the hallway in Arthur Ashe Stadium about to go onto court and work with the best tennis players and tennis officials in the world.

Flentie: Walking around the inner corridor of Ashe, I would pass the TV production room, security, kitchen, player walk-on; it makes me realize how much is going on at once.

Kilgore: Being in the officials’ room with officials from all over the world and realizing what a privilege it is to be accepted to work the US Open.

Lady: There is a hallway officials take to get to the court in Arthur Ashe Stadium that has framed US Open theme art. It’s like taking a walk through the years of the US Open.

Lawrence: My favorite part of each day is arriving on the grounds before the crowds get there and walking past the fountains in front of Arthur Ashe Stadium. It’s quiet and serene as workers prepare for the day ahead. I try to take that time to realize what a special opportunity it is to be a part of this event.

Ritchie: Before the main draw, the umpires are treated to a special party. It’s always such a great time to see fellow officials you may not have seen for a while and catch up with them. Reminds you what a special group we are.

What is the best piece of advice another official has ever given you?

Conway: One of many pieces of advice I’ve gotten is when you are off court, rest and relax. That way you’ll be at your very best when you go back to court.

Flentie: Referring to a player/coach: ‘They can let their emotions take over, but you can’t.’

Kilgore: Preparation is key to success, and always try to be flexible.

Lady: I review rules and procedures prior to each match or event that I work. An official once told me how important knowing the rules and procedures is to give me strength and confidence in a variety of situations. Being prepared allows an official to remain calm and confident, no matter what situation arises.

Lawrence: Determine what type of officiating appeals most to you (grassroots, college, professional) and strive to be the best you can in that realm before taking them all on at once to avoid burnout. If you love what you are doing, it will never feel like work.

Ritchie: Enjoy officiating, and give it 100% when you are doing it. But don’t ever forget family comes first.

If someone in the USTA Missouri Valley is thinking about becoming an official, what would you tell them?

Conway: I would tell them if they love tennis and they want to work at a job they will love, become a tennis official. Get started by completing the interest form.

Flentie: If you feel at all like you want to give back to the game that’s given you so much, you’ve found the right place.

Kilgore: We need more officials. If you’re considering it, just talk to someone about it and reach out to your Missouri Valley growth manager, Micah Matthews, at micah.matthews@usta.com. Or complete the interest form to get more information. In my district alone the past 12 months, we have added six or seven new officials.

Lady: I would tell them it is a great opportunity to learn more about the game of tennis, become part of a wonderful tennis community and see many levels of tennis. I have enjoyed officiating at the junior, college and professional levels. Each has given me a different perspective and experience.

I would also encourage them to give it a try. Officiating challenges you to be observant, make decisions, communicate effectively and remain calm under pressure. Those skills not only make you a better official but also serve you well in other areas of life. More importantly, it is a great way to stay involved in a sport that you love while meeting a lot of wonderful people along the way.

Lawrence: Find a mentor to help guide you through the different officiating opportunities available and decide what appeals to you most — then go for it.

Ritchie: Go for it. It takes hard work and dedication, but it’s worth it.

Check out additional connections to the 2026 US Open from USTA Missouri Valley by clicking here.