As a substitute of following Wimbledon’s lead, the US Open will undertake the strategy utilized by the ATP and the WTA for the reason that invasion the place Russian and Belarusian gamers compete below a impartial flag.
Because of this, the present world No. 1 and reigning males’s singles champion, Daniil Medvedev, will be capable of defend his title. He defeated Novak Djokovic in straight units within the remaining final yr to say his maiden grand slam.
Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, who reached the ladies’s semifinals final yr, can 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.”
“Based mostly on our personal circumstances, the USTA will permit all eligible gamers, no matter nationality, to compete on the 2022 US Open.”
The USTA dedicated itself to offering “important monetary help” 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.
