Austin Might Give Up Her TV Role, Seek a Wild Card in the U.S. Open

Will Tracy Austin play tennis at the U.S. Open or will she simply talk about it?

Austin is under contract to the USA Network to work as a commentator for the women’s singles matches at Flushing Meadow, N.Y., later this month, but she has hinted she might ask for a wild card to play in the event for the first time since 1982.

“I’m not into improving my analysis,” said Austin, who won the U.S. Open in 1979 and ’81. “I’m into improving my tennis.”

Gordon Beck, executive producer and vice president of production for the USA Network, said he hasn’t heard from Austin on the matter, but would certainly consider allowing her to do it.

“Strictly from my point of view, if Tracy Austin wants to play in the U.S. Open, that’s a pretty neat thing for my viewers to see,” Beck said.

Beck said he could make changes in his on-air personnel to accommodate Austin.

“I don’t want to mess up her schedule,” Beck said. “I would much rather give it a shot if that’s what she wants to do.

“I mean, do we get better ratings if Tracy Austin is in one of the featured matches?”