Alcott slams US Open 'discrimination' over wheelchair omission

Two-time wheelchair singles champion Dylan Alcott slammed the US Open for not including the wheelchair event for the 2020 edition.

Australia Dylan Alcott is the reigning doubles champion of the US Open wheelchair event.

Australian Paralympic tennis champion Dylan Alcott has slammed the omission of the wheelchair tournament from the U.S. Open, calling it “disgusting discrimination".

Alcott, who won the 2015 and 2018 wheelchair singles titles at Flushing Meadows and is the reigning doubles champion, said players were not consulted and posed no greater health threat than able-bodied entrants.

With the coronavirus still rife in the United States, the Aug. 31-Sept 13 U.S. Open is going ahead without fans or a qualifying tournament for able-bodied players.

“I thought I did enough to qualify - 2x champion, number 1 in the world,” Alcott wrote on Twitter.

Just got announced that the US Open will go ahead WITHOUT wheelchair tennis.. Players weren't consulted. I thought I did enough to qualify - 2x champion, number 1 in the world. But unfortunately I missed the only thing that mattered, being able to walk. Disgusting discrimination

— Dylan Alcott (@DylanAlcott) June 17, 2020

 

“But unfortunately I missed the only thing that mattered, being able to walk. Disgusting discrimination.”

Melbourne man Alcott has won 10 wheelchair Grand Slam singles titles and took the singles and doubles gold at the 2016 Paralympic Games at Rio.

“And please do not tell me I am a greater risk because I am disabled,” said the 29-year-old.

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“I am disabled yes but that does not make me SICK. I am fitter and healthier than nearly everybody reading this right now. There are no added risks.

“And for sure there are far more important things going on in the world, but that choice shouldve been up TO ME.

“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. Not good enough.”