Along with the everyday need to be in peak condition, players who took part this summer in the 140th edition of tennis' U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York, were faced with an array of new concerns and protocols brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring they stayed healthy and ready to compete were two members of the SUNY Old Westbury Athletic Department team.
Head Athletics Trainer Zsolt Hadju and Assistant Athletics Trainer Jeff Thomaier were two of the seven members of the Association of Tennis Professional Tour medical team for the men's draw of the event, where they managed treatment when needed for players like Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Dominic Thiem, who ultimately won the title. While living and working within a "bubble environment" necessitated by the pandemic, Hadju and Thomaier evaluated and treated all orthopedic injuries and both prepared the players for their matches and aided in post-match recovery with mobilizations and joint manipulations.
Both Old Westbury staffers also worked the Western & Southern Open that led into the U.S. Open. Combined Hadju and Thomaier have more than 30 years experience supporting events held by the U.S. Tennis Assocation.