Madison Catholic Priest and Tennis Umpire to Officiate at 2017 U.S. Open

Father Paul Arinze, the Nigeria-born priest of the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin, girds himself for America's premier tennis event beginning next week in New York.

The U.S. Open is American’s premier tennis event, running Aug. 28-Sept. 10 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in Flushing, New York. Previous winners include Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka, Germany’s Angelique Kerber, Britain’s Andy Murray and Serena Williams of the U.S.

But did you know among the lineup of international stars is a Nigerian-born Catholic priest who is responsible for keeping star matches running smoothly and fairly?

Father Paul Arinze is the pastor of St. John Vianney parish in Janesville, Wisconsin. He is also a line and chair umpire who has officiated at every major tennis event around the world, plus several Olympic games. The Register interviewed with Father Arinze just ahead of the U.S. Open.

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