The US Open will allow individual Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the event’s 2022 edition, but only under a neutral flag.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the USTA, which owns and operates the US Open, underlines that it has always condemned Russian military actions in Ukraine, considering them “the unprovoked and unjust invasion”, but it will not follow Wimbledon’s example and will allow all eligible players, regardless of nationality, to compete in New York.
The USTA recognises that each organization has had to deal with unique circumstances that affect their decisions. The USTA stands with the other Grand Slams, the ITF, the ATP, and the WTA in banning of the Russian and Belarusian Tennis Federations from the ITF, and therefore all international team competitions, and the directive for players from those countries to play under a neutral flag when competing outside of international team competitions.
The USTA will work with the players and both Tours to use the US Open as a platform to further the humanitarian effort of the “Tennis Plays for Peace” program. In addition, the USTA will introduce a broad, comprehensive set of initiatives to amplify existing Ukrainian humanitarian efforts, including committing to significant financial support, for which details will be announced soon.
Mike McNulty, USTA Chairman of the Board and President:
“Tennis has done much through Tennis Plays for Peace for humanitarian support of Ukraine. Unfortunately, the need for help only continues to grow. The USTA will be responding very soon with a broad set of initiatives that will include significant financial assistance and other programs to further support humanitarian relief and the people of Ukraine.”
