Russian, Belarusian players allowed to participate in 2022 US Open, under neutral flag

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) – Organizers of the 2022 US Open said Tuesday that Russian and Belarusian players will be allowed to participate in the tournament under a neutral flag.

All eligible players will be allowed to compete in the Grand Slam, regardless of their nationality, according to a statement on the official website.

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) -- organizers behind the tournament – said it, alongside the International Tennis Federation (ITF), Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), previously condemned and continues to condemn Russia's unprovoked and unjust invasion of Ukraine.

"Tennis has done much through Tennis Plays for Peace for humanitarian support of Ukraine. Unfortunately, the need for help only continues to grow," said USTA Chairman of the Board and President Mike McNulty. "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.”

Nearly 4,400 civilians have been killed and 5,390 injured in Ukraine since the war started Feb. 24.

More than 14 million people have been forced to flee their homes, including over 7.3 million who have fled to other countries, according to UN figures.

The US Open, one of the four Grand Slams in tennis, will be held Aug. 29 to Sept. 11.