Sports Emcee Andy Taylor | The Voice of the US Open | Photo: @USOpen
[divider style=”solid” color=”#cccccc” opacity=”0.5″ icon=”arrow-down” icon_color=”#666666″ icon_size=”15″ placement=”up”]
Andy Taylor: Media Day “Headset Host” at the 2018 US Open
Media Day at the 2018 US Open became an extension of Fan Week in New York. Instead of hosting journalist-only, pre-tournament press conferences near the Media Center, players and reporters were escorted to the brand new Louis Armstrong Stadium. Under the closed roof, fans had a chance to hang-out, listen to the press conferences on wireless American Express Radios, and with a little luck – grab an autograph or take a selfie with their favorite player.
Instead of hosting over the stadium sound system, Andy Taylor provided updates and player introductions directly to the fans on their wireless headsets. This avoided interview interruptions on the court, and provided seamless transitions to the player press conferences on stage.
[blockquote quote=”When I hear the gentleman when he’s announcing the players, it’s very special and very nice. The crowd is always very happy.” source=” Simona Halep” source_link=”https://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/articles/2018-08-24/simona_halep_likes_the_sound_of_being_world_no_1.html”]
Check out the best quotes from US Open Media Day here, and make sure you’re in New York during Fan Week next year. Now that word is out, most expect Louis Armstrong Stadium to be twice as full for Media Day in 2019.
[vector_icon icon=”fas fa-arrow-alt-circle-down” size=”20″] The Complete list of 2018 Media Day participants
Sloane Stephens
Last year, she won her debut Grand Slam Singles title next door in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Please welcome to the Media Day podium, 2017 US Open Champion and World #3, Sloane Stephens.
Rafael Nadal
He is the defending US Open champion, and is now own a 17 Grand Slam Singles titles overall. Earlier this year, he captured a record-shattering 11th French Open title, and two weeks ago, earned his 5th title of 2018 in Toronto – bringing his career total to 80 ATP World Tour Singles titles. From Manacor, Mallorca – please welcome the #1 player in the world and defending US Open Champion, Rafael Nadal.
Madison Keys
Last year, she reached her first Grand Slam Singles Final right here in New York. Earlier this year, she reached the Semifinals at Roland Garros without dropping a set, and comes into this year’s Open as the World #14. From Rock Island, Illinois – please welcome 2017 US Open Finalist, Madison Keys.
Roger Federer
Earlier this year, this champion regained the World #1 ranking for the first time in 5-years, becoming the oldest man in tennis history to ascend to the top of the game. He started the year year by winning a record 20th Grand Slam Singles title at the Australian Open – five of which came here in New York, in 2004, ’05, ’06, ’07 and 2008. Please welcome 5-time US Open Champion, Roger Federer.
Simona Halep
She captured her 1st Grand Slam title earlier this year at Roland Garros, and has won three titles this year alone, including her 18th career title 2-weeks-ago in Montreal. A Semifinalist here in 2015, please welcome the #1 player in the world, Simona Halep.
Juan Martin Del Potro
9-years-ago, this Davis Cup Champion and Olympic Bronze and Silver Medalist captured his debut Grand Slam Singles title, defeating Roger Federer in a 5-set thriller on Arthur Ashe Stadium. A Semifinalist here last year, please welcome to the podium World #3 and 2009 US Open Champion, Juan Martin Del Potro.
Angelique Kerber
Last month, she won her 3rd career Grand Slam Singles title, defeating Serena Williams to capture the Wimbledon Championship. In 2016, she was unbeatable – winning her debut Major in Melbourne, earning Olympic Silver, and lifting the trophy here in New York. From Germany, please welcome 2016 US Open Champion, Angelique Kerber.
Andy Murray
The sport truly missed this champion over the past year, and we are thrilled to see him back on court. He’s a 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist, a Davis Cup Champion, and in 2012 – captured his first of three career Grand Slam Singles titles right here at the US Open. Please welcome 2012 US Open Champion, Andy Murray.
Caroline Wozniacki
AT the 2009 US Open, she became the first Danish woman ever to reach a Grand Slam Final. Five years later, she did it again. Back in January, she won the biggest title of her career, capturing her maiden Grand Slam title at the 2018 Australian Open, regaining the sport’s top ranking. Please welcome 2-time US Open Finalist and World #2, Caroline Wozniacki.
Alexander Zverev
Earlier this Summer, he won his 9th career ATP World Tour Singles title in Washington D.C. – his 3rd title and 5th Final of 2018. At just 21-years-old, he is the youngest player ranked inside the ATP’s top-10. From Germany, please welcome World #4, Sascha Zverev.
