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USTA Taps Jake Garner as New US Open Tournament Referee

March 1, 2023

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., March 1, 2023 – The USTA announced that Jake Garner, former US Open Chief Umpire and one of the world’s premier tennis officials, has been named US Open Tournament Referee, beginning with the 2023 US Open.

As Tournament Referee, Garner will act as the final authority on all officiating matters during the US Open. Garner will be responsible for making all of the draws and preparing the daily schedule of play, in addition to ensuring that the US Open is conducted fairly and in accordance with all of the written rules, regulations and procedures. He will also approve official assignments and oversee the evaluation process of all on-site officials, among many other responsibilities.

Garner is currently a Senior Director, Professional Pathway, Officiating, for the USTA, and holds the elite Silver Badge Referee and Gold Badge Chief Umpire certifications. Garner served as the Chief Umpire of the US Open from 2019-21, where he was responsible for the selecting and training of all US Open officials. He served as Assistant Referee in 2022, under Wayne McKewen, who will continue to work the US Open as a Grand Slam Supervisor.

Garner had a decorated career as a Chair Umpire from 2006-18, in which he chaired 18 Grand Slam Finals, four Davis Cup Finals, a Billie Jean King Cup Final and the men’s Gold Medal match at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Melanie Tabb and Andrew Walker will continue in their roles as Assistant Referee and Chief Umpire, respectively, marking the 2023 US Open the first since 2015 that all three roles have been held by Americans.

“Jake is one of the most distinguished and respected officials in the world, and we’re very confident in his ability, alongside Melanie and Andrew, to ensure that the US Open is officiated at the highest level of professionalism and integrity,” said Stacey Allaster, US Open Tournament Director.