The Liberty Open, one of the nation's premier LGBTQ+ tennis tournaments, returns in 2026 with its guiding principle of "Love All" — a tennis term that also represents the event's commitment to fairness, respect, and the freedom for athletes to compete openly. Tournament Director Kevin Ko emphasized that "Love All is both a tennis truth and a cultural value" that defines the tournament's competitive yet inclusive spirit, with the continued partnership with the USTA reinforcing that LGBTQ+ players belong on tennis's biggest stages.
Founded in 1993 by the Metropolitan Tennis Group and sanctioned by the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance, the Liberty Open serves as a flagship event within the global LGBTQ+ tennis community, welcoming over 200 athletes annually across five competitive divisions. The tournament's partnership with the USTA helps elevate visibility, access, and opportunity for LGBTQ+ athletes, with the 2026 event scheduled for July 10-12 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the US Open.
Beyond competition, the Liberty Open demonstrates its community impact by directing proceeds to The Trevor Project, the world's largest suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth. Khai Nguyen, Communications Director for the Metropolitan Tennis Group, noted that "supporting The Trevor Project through the Liberty Open is a tangible way our community shows up for LGBTQ+ youth," highlighting that LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
The tournament represents a significant intersection of sports, visibility, and social responsibility, creating what organizers describe as a space rooted in trust and community where athletes can compete openly while contributing to vital support services. Registration opens on March 14, 2026, through the GLTA Tournament website, with tournament weekend including social events like the Players' Welcome Draw Party and Tournament Banquet.
Seong-Moh Yang, Commissioner at Metropolitan Tennis Group, acknowledged the commitment required from participants while emphasizing the tournament's focus on community and celebration. The event's continued growth and institutional support from organizations like the USTA signal evolving acceptance in professional sports while addressing critical social issues through its charitable partnership with The Trevor Project at https://www.thetrevorproject.org.
