The Liberty Open, one of the nation's premier LGBTQ+ tennis tournaments, is set to return to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York from July 10-12, 2026. The tournament, founded in 1993 by the Metropolitan Tennis Group (MTG) and sanctioned by the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA), promotes a message of inclusion and respect, encapsulated by the phrase 'Love All' — a term that both begins every tennis match and reflects the tournament's core values.
'Love All is both a tennis truth and a cultural value,' said Kevin Ko, Liberty Open Tournament Director. 'It represents the spirit of this tournament — competitive, inclusive, and grounded in respect. Our continued partnership with the USTA reinforces that LGBTQ+ players belong on tennis's biggest stages, and that inclusion strengthens the sport as a whole.' The USTA's support helps elevate visibility, access, and opportunity for LGBTQ+ athletes, highlighting the importance of institutional backing for marginalized communities in sports.
The tournament expects over 200 athletes of all levels to compete across five competitive divisions for all-genders. Beyond the competition, the Liberty Open is deeply rooted in giving back. Proceeds from the event benefit The Trevor Project, the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people. LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide as their peers, making this partnership critical. 'Sport can be a lifeline — especially when it creates belonging,' said Khai Nguyen, Communications Director of MTG. 'Supporting The Trevor Project through the Liberty Open is a tangible way our community shows up for LGBTQ+ youth. Visibility, connection, and care save lives, and this tournament stands at the intersection of all three.'
Event details include a Players' Welcome Draw Party and Tournament Banquet, with registration opening on the GLTA Tournament website on March 14, 2026. The tournament's location at the historic USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the US Open, underscores the significance of LGBTQ+ inclusion in a sport that has not always been welcoming. 'We recognize the time, travel, and commitment it takes for players to be here. Our team has put tremendous care into creating an unforgettable tournament experience, and we're grateful that players trust us to deliver that,' said Seong-Moh Yang, Commissioner at MTG.
The Liberty Open's commitment to 'Love All' extends beyond the court, fostering a community where athletes can show up fully and compete openly. This announcement is important because it demonstrates how sports organizations can actively promote inclusion and support vulnerable youth, setting a powerful example for other tournaments and institutions. The partnership with the USTA signals a broader shift toward acceptance within professional tennis, while the fundraiser for The Trevor Project addresses a critical need for mental health support among LGBTQ+ young people. For more information on the Metropolitan Tennis Group, visit their website.
