The Liberty Open, one of the nation's premier LGBTQ+ tennis tournaments, is set to return in 2026 with a powerful message of inclusion. The tournament, which takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City from July 10 to 12, is built around the concept of "Love All" — a term that in tennis signifies the start of a match but also embodies the tournament's commitment to fairness, respect, and the freedom for LGBTQ+ athletes to play openly.
Founded in 1993 by the Metropolitan Tennis Group (MTG) and sanctioned by the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA), the Liberty Open has become a flagship event within the global LGBTQ+ tennis community. Each year, the tournament attracts more than 200 athletes of all skill levels from across the country and around the world, competing in five all-gender divisions. The event also fosters meaningful connections on and off the court, emphasizing community and belonging.
"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 is a key component of the tournament, helping to elevate visibility, access, and opportunity for LGBTQ+ athletes.
Beyond competition, the Liberty Open is deeply committed to 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. According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide as their peers. "Sport can be a lifeline — especially when it creates belonging," said Khai Nguyen, Communications Director for 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."
The tournament weekend will include a series of social events, including the Players' Welcome Draw Party and Tournament Banquet, designed to celebrate players and foster community. Registration opens on the GLTA Tournament website on March 14, 2026. "We recognize the time, travel, and commitment it takes for players to be here," said Seong-Moh Yang, Commissioner at MTG. "Our team has put tremendous care into creating an unforgettable tournament experience, and we're grateful that players trust us to deliver that. We encourage every competitor to chase down the next ball, go for the next winner, and soak in the energy of this community. At the Liberty Open, the joy isn't just in winning — it's in the pursuit and in celebrating the game together."
The Metropolitan Tennis Group is a New York City–based nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for LGBTQ+ tennis players and allies through recreational and competitive play, social engagement, and community service. For media inquiries, interviews, or feature opportunities, contact communication@metrotennisgroup.com.
