The United States Tennis Association has installed permanent floodlights over Court 17 at Flushing Meadows after Karolina Muchova completed her second-round match against Katie Boulter in 58 seconds, a duration so brief that the stadium's official timekeeper initially refused to log it, insisting the scoreboard must have malfunctioned.
Muchova, who reportedly struck 11 consecutive aces before Boulter could complete her pre-serve bounce ritual, has been declared the tournament's first honorary grounds crew member, tasked with testing the new lighting system by playing night sessions that end before the evening's first commercial break. The USTA has also mandated that all future opponents on Court 17 must be fully warmed up and mentally prepared before stepping onto the court, a rule enforced by a new official whose sole duty is to verify that players have completed at least three practice serves in the tunnel.
Boulter, who was seen still walking toward her towel during the post-match handshake, has filed a request to have the match replayed under the stadium's new lights, arguing that she never actually saw the ball. Tournament director Stacey Allaster defended the decision, stating, «We cannot penalize a player for efficiency. The court is lit, the clock is running, and if you are not ready, that is a tactical choice.»
Next week, the USTA will debut a new «express lane» for all first-round matches, with players who finish in under two minutes receiving a complimentary parking spot and a lifetime ban from the practice courts, which officials say are now reserved for players who actually need them.