Front Row Fans Stay Alert in Memphis

Booming serves, blazing overhead smashes and forehand shots off the frame are three good reasons why fans in the first few rows on the Stadium Court at the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships need to stay alert and aware of the tennis action happening in front of them.
Tuesday night in a singles match against Gilles Muller, 6’9″ American John Isner hit no less than three fans with either serves of overhead smashes and one other gentleman barely ducked out of the way of an Isner smash.

“It’s the reason some fans want those seats, one gentlemen renews his seats right behind the court every year to get that rush,” says Peter Lebedevs, tournament director of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships.

The fans seem to sit closer to action than they should be at the indoor tennis event.  When asked about the space from the baseline to the back wall, Lebedev smiled.

“It’s the minimum,” Lebedev offered.  “We’ve had the same stadium construction company for the last 37 years, so they have it measured to the inch.”
What Lebedev and other fans watching seem more concerned about is the height of the back wall.  “Last night as I was watching Isner play, I discussed with my guys that we may need to something.”  Isner was bouncing serves well into the crowd as Muller watched in amazement.

“The athletes are getting better and it’s something we will consider,” added the tournament director.

For now, ushers give fans in these first few rows warnings and instructions that balls will be moving at high rates of speed and reach the stands.  For the fans, it’s a unique perspective that makes them feel part of the action.

“You don’t get this at the U.S. Open,” one fan said while a ball flew over him.  You don’t get this anywhere else, I was thinking.