U.S. Open To Allow Russian, Belarusian Players To Compete Under Neutral Flag

The U.S. Open announced Tuesday it will allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete at the year’s final Grand Slam under a neutral flag, meaning Russian world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev will be able to defend his title.

Medvedev spoiled Novak Djokovic’s bid for the first calendar-year Grand Slam since 1969 with a straight-sets rout in last year’s final.

Russian and Belarusian players were banned from Wimbledon, which begins June 27, but were allowed to play at Roland Garros. Medvedev, who on Monday, returned to world No. 1 and fellow Russians Andrey Rublev (No. 8) and Karen Khachanov (No. 23) won’t be allowed to play, and neither will world No. 5 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 19 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.

“Alongside the other Grand Slams, the ITF, the ATP and the WTA, the USTA, which owns and operates the U.S. Open, has previously condemned, and continues to condemn, the unprovoked and unjust invasion of Ukraine by Russia,” the USTA said.

“The USTA, standing with these other tennis entities, supported the banning of the Russian and Belarusian Tennis Federations from the ITF, and therefore all international team competitions, and the directive for players from those countries to play under a neutral flag when competing outside of international team competitions.

“We recognize that each organization has had to deal with unique circumstances that affect their decisions. Based on our own circumstances, the USTA will allow all eligible players, regardless of nationality, to compete at the 2022 US Open.

Said Mike McNulty, USTA Chairman of the Board and President: “Tennis has done much through Tennis Plays for Peace for humanitarian support of Ukraine. Unfortunately, the need for help only continues to grow. The USTA will be responding very soon with a broad set of initiatives that will include significant financial assistance and other programs to further support humanitarian relief and the people of Ukraine.”