USTA demonstrated its commitment to Diversity & Inclusion by holding its 3rd annual Pride Night at the US Open on Thursday, August 31. Prominent Pride flags, abundant signage and a rainbow-lit stadium promoted the occasion throughout the National Tennis Center grounds. 

MTG was Pride Night’s featured organization, recognizing our stature as NYC’s premier LGBTQ tennis group. Forty-eight MTG members had the thrilling experience of being on the court itself at the legendary Arthur Ashe stadium. The stadium announcer interviewed our Commissioner Seong-Moh Yang, as members took a lap around the court and played demo tennis for the cheering crowd. It was an unforgettable evening for everyone who participated! “By staging Open Pride Day and partnering with amateur tennis organizations such as MTG, USTA and the US Open have shown commitment from the highest levels of the sport to stay true to their mantra of inclusion and creating a safe space for players and fans of all backgrounds”, said Seong-Moh Yang. 

MTG players that joined in on the experience, walked away with excitement and memories to last a lifetime:

• “Thanks for making our experience at the tournament so memorable” - Peter Farrell
• “Thank you so much for the great experience. It was awesome!” - Helcio Santos
• "It was so memorable and such a great bonding experience" - Johannes Vogt
• “Imagine us on Arthur Ashe Stadium court! It was surreal and out of body for me!” - Jose Torres

This year also marked 50 years of gender pay equity in the US Open’s prize money, an effort spearheaded  by LGBTQ icon and sports legend Billie Jean King. We couldn’t have asked for a better-timed collaboration and we look forward to an on-going partnership with USTA in the years to come. 

A big thanks to the USTA and the US Open for recognizing MTG as an integral partner in their efforts to promote diversity in tennis!