The Liberty Open, one of the nation's premier LGBTQ+ tennis tournaments, will return July 10–12, 2026, to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. Founded in 1993 by the Metropolitan Tennis Group (MTG) and sanctioned by the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA), the tournament welcomes over 200 athletes across five competitive divisions for all genders. This year, its theme 'Love All' underscores both tennis scoring and the event's dedication to fairness, respect, and community.
Tournament Director Kevin Ko emphasized the dual meaning of 'Love All,' describing it as both a tennis truth and a cultural value that embodies competition, inclusion, and respect. The tournament's continued partnership with the USTA reinforces that LGBTQ+ players belong on tennis's biggest stages and that inclusion strengthens the sport. The 2026 Liberty Open is proudly supported by the USTA, whose partnership helps elevate visibility, access, and opportunity for LGBTQ+ athletes.
Beyond competition, the Liberty Open is deeply rooted in giving back. Proceeds from the tournament benefit The Trevor Project, the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people under 25. LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide as their peers, making such support critical. Khai Nguyen, Communications Director of MTG, noted that sport can be a lifeline when it creates belonging, and supporting The Trevor Project through the Liberty Open is a tangible way the community shows up for LGBTQ+ youth.
Event details include a Players' Welcome Draw Party and Tournament Banquet, with registration opening March 14, 2026, on the GLTA Tournament website. Commissioner Seong-Moh Yang of MTG expressed gratitude for players' commitment and encouraged competitors to chase every ball and soak in the community energy, emphasizing that joy lies not just in winning but in the pursuit and celebration of the game together.
The Metropolitan Tennis Group is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to expanding opportunities for LGBTQ+ tennis players and allies through recreational and competitive play, social engagement, and community service. The Trevor Project provides 24/7 support through phone, chat, and text services, along with advocacy and educational programs.
