U.S.T.A. Reinstates U.S. Open Wheelchair Tournament

“The U.S.T.A. said they had made a mistake and had a miscommunication among themselves,” said David Wagner, the leading American quad wheelchair player who was part of the virtual meetings. “It seemed like a pretty sincere apology, and it was accepted. And we moved on.”

Wagner, 46, an eight-time Paralympic medalist, was paralyzed after an accident on a California beach in 1995 and plays tennis with his right hand attached to his racket.

“It was a combined effort by a lot of athletes,” Wagner said of the lobbying that changed the U.S.T.A.’s plans. “It was not just one athlete in particular preaching to their social media. It was a ton of athletes working for a common goal. I think we all grasped the gravity of the situation this year with the U.S. Open, but we wanted to get a better grasp of the U.S.T.A.’s decision-making process and try to get a better outcome.”

Alcott thanked the U.S.T.A. and U.S. Open on Twitter on Wednesday and also said he appreciated the help of Andy Murray, Roger Federer and other leading players on the ATP and WTA tours who “lobbied internally to help us get there.”

“The decision of not allowing us to compete, without communication or consideration was bigger than tennis,” he added. “In years 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.”

Wagner said he planned on competing in New York if he was comfortable with the public health situation. The U.S.T.A. is planning to require social distancing and frequent testing.

“It’s a concern, sure, just as much as for an able-bodied ATP or WTA player,” Wagner said of the coronavirus. “I’m not sure how much more susceptible I am. But I feel if I am going to play that would probably be the safest place. The U.S. Open has the means to ensure safety.”

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/25/sports/tennis/us-open-wheelchair-tournament.html