QUEENS, N.Y. - This will be a subdued US Open. No large, raucous crowds that make it stand out from the other major tennis tournaments. Actually, no crowds at all. Because of the pandemic no spectators allowed at any of the matches this year.

“Yeah it’s unfortunate I wish they could be here. They really help me. I use their energy to get fired up and to get going so yeah obviously it’s a bit different," said Sofia Kenin, tennis player.

The United States Tennis Association has put several coronavirus safeguards in place at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Players will be continually screened and tested for COVID. Face coverings must be worn except when playing or practicing, and social distancing rules are in effect.

The players are also living in a controlled environment. They are only allowed to and from the tennis center and their hotels on Long Island or the private homes where some are staying.

Despite these restrictions one player tested positive this weekend, raising questions about safety even before the tournament began.

“That doesn’t really impact our bubble, our bubble is intact, our players are responding and understanding the importance to be safe,” said Danny Zausner, Chief Operating Officer of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Anyone who tests positive will be dropped from the tournament and go into isolation. Organizers will then track down anyone who may have come in contact with the infected player .

“I think there is no safer place in the world right now than here. Maybe you can lock yourself somewhere in a cave or something I don’t know in the middle of the sea otherwise it’s super safe here,” said Dominic Thiem, tennis player.

Despite the changes there is still some excitement. Serena Williams tries again for her 24th grand slam title to put her in a tie for the most ever. She made the finals here the past two years here but lost.

“I’ll never be satisfied until I retire. I'm never going to stop until I retire, that's just my personality, that’s how I got to be here,” said Williams.

A big moment for the athletes, a big moment for the sport.

“This is about our tennis community coming together on the world stage to be able to demonstrate that we know how to do this and how to return to competition in a safe way,” said Stacey Allaser, US Open Tournament Director.

Both the men’s and women’s reigning champs are not playing. Bianca Andreescu is recovering from injuries. Rafael Nadal decided not to travel to New York because of coronavirus concerns. And no Roger Federer, who is recovering from knee surgery.