The uncertain days of a potential lucky loser at the US Open

NEW YORK -- The jarring buzz of the alarm echoed around the office at 10:30 a.m. on the dot.

For a few noisy seconds, the sound filled the referee's office, just a handful of steps off the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The lucky loser sign-in process for the first day of the main draw at the US Open was officially over.