US Open: Russian and Belarusian gamers allowed to compete
As a substitute of following Wimbledon’s lead, the US Open will undertake the strategy utilized by the ATP and the WTA because the invasion the place Russian and Belarusian gamers compete beneath a impartial flag.
Because of this, the present world No. 1 and reigning males’s singles champion, Daniil Medvedev, will be capable to defend his title. He defeated Novak Djokovic in straight units within the remaining final 12 months to say his maiden grand slam.
Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, who reached the ladies’s semifinals final 12 months, may even be allowed to compete.
In an interview with The Related Press, the USTA’s CEO Lew Sherr mentioned the choice had been made due to “concern about holding the person athletes accountable for the actions and selections of their governments.”
An announcement launched by the USTA condemned the invasion of Ukraine and acknowledged that “every group has needed to cope with distinctive circumstances that have an effect on their selections.”
“Primarily based on our personal circumstances, the USTA will enable all eligible gamers, no matter nationality, to compete on the 2022 US Open.”
The USTA dedicated itself to offering “important monetary assist” to the humanitarian effort in Ukraine.
“The USTA will work with the gamers and each Excursions to make use of the US Open as a platform to additional the humanitarian effort of the ‘Tennis Performs for Peace’ program,” the assertion added.
The US Open begins on August 29 in New York Metropolis.
