US Open organizer Michael Fiur spoke about fumbling a performance from a young Taylor Swift over 20 years ago.
Before Swift returned to the Grand Slam with boyfriend Travis Kelce this past summer, the 14-time Grammy-winner had one of her first big exposures when she sang the national anthem at the US Open in 2003.
Speaking on Andy Roddick’s ‘Served’ podcast, Fiur reflected on Swift’s success today. He then revealed that he passed on a Swift performance and called it 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.
‘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.’
Since performing at Arthur Ashe as a preteen, Swift has skyrocketed into new levels of fame.
The pop star is currently on hiatus from concerts and is enjoying her time with Kelce, who just kicked off the NFL season with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Earlier this month, Swift and Kelce looked loved up at Arthur Ashe while watching the men’s final of the US Open between Taylor Fritz and Jannik Sinner.
Swift was at the Chiefs’ first two games in Kansas City this season before skipping Sunday’s game in Atlanta. The defending champions are 3-0 as they continue on their threepeat journey.
