In 2003, the U.S. Open had a blank space for a performer, and entertainment producer Michael Fiur now regrets not filling it with the name Taylor Swift. Reflecting on the pop sensation’s early connection to the prestigious tennis tournament, Fiur recently admitted on Andy Roddick’s Served podcast that passing on a Taylor Swift performance ranks as “the worst decision I ever made.”
Fiur, who has been involved in the U.S. Open’s entertainment and festivities for over two decades, recounted the moment he missed a major opportunity to spotlight Swift before she became the global superstar she is today. He explained that in 2002, Scott Swift, Taylor’s father, approached the U.S. Open about his then 12-year-old daughter singing the national anthem before the night matches.
“Merv Heller, who was president of the USTA at the time, told us, ‘A friend of mine, Scott Swift, has a daughter who sings and plays guitar. Would you let her sing the national anthem before one of the matches?’” Fiur recalled. “So we were like, sure.”
The following year, Swift’s father made a second request, asking if Taylor could perform during Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, a major event during the U.S. Open that features musical performances and interactive activities for young fans. At the time, Taylor was still finding her footing in the country music world, and Fiur didn’t think her style would resonate with the New York crowd.
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“And then comes the worst decision I ever made,” Fiur confessed. “A year later, her father asked if we would 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.”
When Andy Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open champion and host of the podcast, playfully warned, “You understand this is going to be public, right?” Fiur doubled down on his regret, reiterating, “Worst decision I ever made.”
What seemed like a minor decision at the time has only grown more regrettable as Taylor Swift’s career skyrocketed beyond anyone’s imagination. Since those early days at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Swift has become one of the most iconic artists of her generation, winning 14 Grammy Awards and amassing a loyal fanbase that spans the globe.
Her fame, fortune, and cultural impact have reached unprecedented heights, with her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, released earlier this year, and her record-breaking Eras Tour scheduled to conclude in December. Now 34, Swift is not only a musical titan but also a billionaire with an unmatched influence in the entertainment industry.
Although her career took off after the missed U.S. Open opportunity, Swift returned to the grand slam event earlier this month—this time in a very different role.
She attended the men’s final with her boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce, creating a media frenzy as their high-profile relationship continues to dominate headlines. The couple, joined by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany, watched as Italy’s Jannik Sinner defeated American Taylor Fritz in straight sets to win his first U.S. Open title.
Swift’s appearance at the U.S. Open was one of several public outings she’s made with Kelce since their romance went public last year. The pop superstar also attended the Chiefs’ season opener on September 5th, where the defending Super Bowl champions secured a 27-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
However, Swift was absent from the Chiefs’ most recent road win in Atlanta, leading to speculation about whether she will attend the upcoming Chiefs-Chargers matchup in Los Angeles.
Though Swift’s performances are on hold as she takes a break from her Eras Tour, her presence—both in the stands and in the headlines—remains as captivating as ever. As Fiur looks back on his missed opportunity, Swift continues to dominate every space she enters, whether it’s music, sports, or pop culture.
Fiur’s anecdote serves as a reminder that even seasoned entertainment producers can occasionally misjudge a rising star’s potential.
For Taylor Swift, the decision not to feature her at the 2003 U.S. Open was just a small bump in what has become an extraordinary journey to superstardom.
