This year’s US Open is set to be like no other in the history of tennis due to the COVID-19 pandemic but it has emerged that there is another reason why it will be making headlines.
It has been confirmed by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) that the tournament will waiver one of its Grand Slam Code of Conduct rules in order to allow players to ‘express their position and support on social justice issues.’ The announcement coincides with the US Open’s ‘Be Open’ campaign. Under these rules players can wear emblems, logos, symbols or written identifications to support the causes close to their hearts. Furthermore, there is no limit on the size of them and they can be worn during pre-match interviews and during walks onto the court prior to their matches. Although during matches, they can only be worn if they meet certain sizing criteria.
The move comes during the same year as the Black Lives Matter Movement. A worldwide campaign for racial equality triggered by the death of George Floyd who died whilst being arrested by police officers. Although the USTA states that players will be free to express support for any social justice campaign such as gay pride, gender quality and so on. Last year the US Open held their first Open Night which is aimed at the sports LGBTQ fans and athletes, as well as their allies.
“The USTA is committed to promoting racial equality. We believe that if tennis is to thrive the sport must become more inclusive and must support people of colour. Moreover, the USTA’s diversity and inclusion policy is one that espouses that anyone, from anywhere, should be able to play, compete, and participate in the sport, regardless of race, gender, sexual preference or any other trait.” A USTA statement published by opencourt.ca reads.
“We further believe that in these unprecedented times, athletes be given the ability to express their beliefs while on court. And although Black Lives Matter is the spark for this premise, the USTA feels strongly that permitting free speech for only one particular social justice cause is not free speech at all. The USTA is therefore equally committed to permitting athletes at the 2020 US Open to express their position and support on social justice issues.”
Besides the US Open, the Western and Southern Open will also allow the display of social justice from players. The tournament has been relocated from Cincinnati to New York this year due to the pandemic. There will be regulation of what players will display under these conditions. In Cincinnati players will need the approval of the ATP/WTA supervisors. Meanwhile the US Open decisions will be up to the Grand Slam board. Political campaigning or anything related to hate speech will not be allowed.
Players are not obligated to participate in the initiative if they do not want to and it is unclear as to who may make use of the new ruling. At present is seems like the rule adjustment will only be applicable for this year but that could change in the future depending on the outcome.
The Western and Southern Open will get underway next week, followed by the US Open the week after.
NOTE: USTA statement obtained via www.opencourt.ca.
