The United States Tennis Association issued a response in court to Eugenie Bouchard's lawsuit against the organization, saying it is not legally responsible for her fall at this year’s US Open.
Bouchard sued the USTA, alleging that she slipped on a "a foreign and dangerous substance" in a physiotherapy room and experienced a concussion. She withdrew from the tournament and has not completed a match on tour since.
In its response, the USTA said that Bouchard should not have entered the room lacking the "express consent of, or accompaniment of, authorized personnel." It also said that her mixed doubles match that day did not finish in the night and there was "twilight lighting" in the room once lights were turned off. As an experienced professional, the filing stated that Bouchard was or should have been aware of normal protocols surrounding entry into and use of the room, suggesting these could be seen as not having been followed.
In addition, the USTA alleged that Bouchard did not take assistance on site following the fall, but left the grounds.
Both parties have requested a jury trial, but could settle before a court ruling.