US Open organisers considered copying Wimbledon’s ban on Russian and Belarusian players as a result of the invasion of Ukraine.
The USTA debated barring players from the final Grand Slam of the year, but instead chose to host a fundraising event for Ukraine.
A charity match will take place on the country’s independence day, August 24, in New York.
And US Open tournament director Stacey Allister has confirmed Belarusian former world No.1 Victoria Azarenka has accepted an invitation to join Rafael Nadal and current WTA world No. 1 Iga Swiatek at the event.
The US Open boss also explained that the USTA decided to allow Russian and Belrusian players to compete because they didn’t want them to be held responsible for the actions of their respective governments.
Ms Allaster also said that she and the association didn’t want “to put undue pressure on any athlete,” as many Russian players have stayed silent on the war over fears for the safety of themselves or family members.
