Tennis Australia backs Alcott after USTA axes wheelchair event

Tennis Australia has backed wheelchair star Dylan Alcott after he tweeted his disappointment at the wheelchair events being cut from the US Open.

Alcott, who has won 10 Grand Slam wheelchair singles titles, slammed organisers for cutting his events from this year’s tournament, claiming it was “disgusting discrimination”.

“Dylan Alcott is a tremendous ambassador for tennis and has done a huge amount for our sport both here and around the world,” Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said today.

“We understand how disappointed he is at not being able to compete at the U.S. Open this year and we look forward to seeing him back on the court soon.”

Tennis Australia is optimistic of running a full program at January’s Australian Open.

The USTA has also cut mixed doubles and juniors competitions from the event for health reasons.

New York is still reporting hundreds of COVID-19 cases every day and the tournament will be the first Grand Slam staged without fans.

Tiley was optimistic the Australian Ooen in January will be different.

“In terms of our plans … we’re optimistic about having an AO in January with all the events and all the players,” he said.