Tennis players can support BLM and LGBTQ+ at US Open

Tennis players can support BLM and LGBTQ+ at US Open

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The Black Lives Matter movement explained | World Economic Forum
A BLM poster

The US Open has opened doors for players to display their stand against social injustices. The slam at Flushing Meadows has confirmed that they will allow players to put forth their stand on social issues. These could be the Black Lives Matter movement, inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community or any other issue.

The statement proposed by the USTA

USTA (Logo)

This is an exceptional year for not just tennis, but the whole world. As the US Open is all set to commence from the 31st of August, here comes a news that shall garner applaud from all over the globe. The US Open this year will allow players to speak out their stand on equality also via their merchandise.

The statement read, “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 color. 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.” 

FS Video

Across the US, protest marches against racial profiling by the police, and radical racism are being held. The US Open too has asserted its support against discrimination on the basis of gender, race, or sexual preference.

Nick Kyrgios take a knee at the court during Laver Cup.

“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.” the statement further read.

The Love all: Open Conversation event at US Open 2019
Adam Rippon, Brian Vahaly, Greet Minnen, Alison Van Uytvanck, Jason Collins, Billie Jean King, Billy Bean, and Nick McCarvel during the US Open Pride Panel at the 2019 US Open.

Last year’s US Open started the conversation about the LGBTQ+ community, with participants such as former champion, Billie Jean King. The event was called “US Open: Open for all”.

This year the organizers have taken a step ahead in the efforts to diminish social injustices.

Need permission before executing a stand

During the Cincinnati event, players have to submit their apparel design to the WTA and ATP. The players can wear the logo on their t-shirt, shoes, hats, or other apparel. The players can also wear it at the post-match interviews. However, if the apparel does not fit the match costume rules, it will have to be removed. The umpire will have the final call about it at the tournament.

Also, the US Open event has not made participation in this initiative a compulsion. But it will be interesting to see who all will stand up to participate. Fans can expect Serena Williams as a participant as she has been avid in standing up for equality on and off the court.

Tennis players were united to share videos participating in the black lives moment earlier. Coco Gauff took the lead with a moving video.

It is monumental when such initiatives by the sporting world. It will be interesting to witness which all stars will use the platform as a tool to fight societal injustices.

Also Read Along with other players, Coco Gauff too tweeted her anger into words