Wheelchair tennis will be played at the 2020 US Open after Dylan Alcott's impassioned plea to the tournament organisers.
Last week, Alcott labelled the decision not to include wheelchair tennis at the tournament as 'disgusting discrimination'.
However, the US Tennis Association has since backflipped on the decision and has stated wheelchair tennis will now be included at the US Open in 2020.
They stated that after a number of consultations with players the decision was made.
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"The 2020 US Open wheelchair tennis competition will be held in its traditional place on the US Open calendar at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center this September," the USTA's statement read.
"The tournament will run from Sept. 10-13.
"This decision was made following multiple virtual meetings with a group of wheelchair athletes and the International Tennis Federation over the last week.
"The 2020 US Open Wheelchair Competition will feature men’s and women’s singles and doubles events and quad singles and doubles events, all with draw sizes similar to past US Opens.
"Wheelchair athletes will follow the same health and safety procedures as all players participating in the US Open and will be able to access the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center beginning on Sept. 7.
"The ITF is carefully reviewing the impact of this evolving situation related to awarding wheelchair ranking points in regards to the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour. The USTA expects a decision to be announced in the coming days."
The US Open will host the Wheelchair Tennis Competition Sept. 10-13 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y. pic.twitter.com/QAwwvp8PfA
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) June 24, 2020
Dylan Alcott reacted positively to the news on Thursday morning.
The two-time US Open wheelchair tennis champion said he was thankful to the USTA for reviewing their decision and renewing their support for wheelchair tennis.
"Big thanks to the @usopen for reversing their decision - now allowing wheelchair players to compete at the 2020 Open," Alcott said on Twitter.
"And most importantly thanks to you reading this for supporting us and sharing the message - you made this happen.
"The decision of not allowing us to compete, without communication or consideration was bigger than tennis.
"In yrs (sic) gone by decisions would have been made for us and no one would have cared.
"You cannot be treated differently because of your gender, race, religion or disability.
"This is a massive sign of progress for our community, and I appreciate all your help.
"I know there is a lot going on in the world at the moment, and the tournament might not even go ahead, but at least now we have the same rights as our able bodied counterparts - like we deserve."
Big thanks to the @usopen for reversing their decision - now allowing wheelchair players to compete at the 2020 Open. And most importantly thanks to you reading this for supporting us and sharing the message - you made this happen. pic.twitter.com/jHo0pbVpkC
— Dylan Alcott (@DylanAlcott) June 24, 2020
Alcott also paid tribute to Grand Slam winners Andy Murray and Roger Federer for lending their voices to the issue.
"Also a special big thanks to Andy Murray, who lead the charge with help from Roger Federer and a bunch on top 20 men’s and women’s players who lobbied internally to help get us there," Alcott said.
"To have the support of the best in the world was huge."
Also a special big thanks to Andy Murray, who lead the charge with help from Roger Federer and a bunch on top 20 men’s and women’s players who lobbied internally to help get us there. To have the support of the best in the world was huge.
— Dylan Alcott (@DylanAlcott) June 24, 2020
While there are still question marks over whether the US Open will proceed in 2020 with the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, the important decision is that wheelchair tennis players will now have the decision in their hands whether they decide to compete or not.
