The US Tennis Association has reversed it's decision to exclude wheelchair tennis from the 2020 US Open in New York, after a major backlash from athletes and fans led by Australian player Dylan Alcott.
The backflip comes after "multiple virtual meetings with a group of wheelchair athletes and the International Tennis Federation over the last week," according to the USTA.
The four-day tournament will occupy it's traditional slot in the September event, with men's and women's singles, doubles events and quad singles and doubles all returning with similar draw sizes to past tournaments.
The US Open will be the first grand slam to be held during the COVID-19 pandemic, with organizers to enforce stringent health protocols.
"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 September 7," the USTA said in a statement.
The reversal has been welcomed by Australian player Dylan Alcott, who last week criticized the decision to axe the tournament as part of social distancing measures.
"Please do not tell me that I am a 'greater risk" because I am disabled," he had tweeted.
"I am disabled yes, but that does not make me sick."
"It is blatant discrimination for able-bodied people to decide on my behalf what I do with my life and career just because I am disabled."
Alcott's comments received the backing of other players including British wheelchair competitor Andy Lapthorne and three-time grand-slam winner Andy Murray.
The International Paralympic Committee also expressed its disappointment with the decision.
"We appreciate that the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown up multiple challenges for sport event organisers all around the world, but such challenges should not be used as an excuse to discriminate against a group of players and not offer inclusive competition for all," President Andrew Parsons said.
