MADRID, 14 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Russian and Belarusian tennis players will be able to play the fourth ‘Grand Slam’ of the season, the US Open 2022, after the United States Tennis Federation (USTA) has decided to allow them to participate under a “neutral flag”.
“The USTA will allow individual athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete at the 2022 US Open, but only under a neutral flag. Along with the other ‘Grand Slams,’ the ITF, ATP and WTA, the USTA, which owns and operates the US Open, has previously condemned, and continues to condemn, Russia’s unprovoked and unjust invasion of Ukraine,” he said in a statement.
“The USTA, along with these other tennis entities, supported the banning of the Russian and Belarus Tennis Federations from the ITF and thus all international team competitions, and the directive that players from those countries play under a neutral flag when competing outside of international team competitions.”
In this sense, the USTA explains that “each organization has had to deal with unique circumstances that affect their decisions” by allowing tennis players born in both countries to play. Based on our own circumstances, the USTA will allow all eligible players, regardless of nationality, to compete at the 2022 US Open.
In addition, the USTA indicated that it 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, it will present a “comprehensive and comprehensive set of initiatives to expand existing Ukrainian humanitarian efforts, including the commitment of significant financial support, details of which will be announced soon.”
“Unfortunately, the need for assistance continues to grow. The USTA will respond very soon with a comprehensive set of initiatives that will include significant financial assistance and other programs to further support humanitarian aid and the people of Ukraine,” said Mike McNulty, president of the USTA.