The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has apologised after advertising US Open women’s semi-finals tickets as a consolation prize in a competition.
The grand prize for the Fan Access Pass includes tickets to the men’s semi-finals, restaurant passes and merchandise.
The second paragraph of the US Open’s competition announcement stated: “And if you don’t win the grand prize, don’t worry, there’s more! You will also have the chance to win 2019 women’s semi-finals tickets and a photo on court!”
The USTA has since reworded the competition announcement after receiving criticism from fans and prominent figures in the game.
Judy Murray (pictured), a Scottish tennis coach and former player, said on Twitter: “This looks great @usopen. Until you come to paragraph two,” followed by an angry emoji.
Replying to Murray’s message, 18-time grand slam winner Martina Navratilova said: “Not a surprise here, but disappointment? That would be a yes.”
This looks great @usopen. Until you come to paragraph two. 🤷♀️😡 pic.twitter.com/JY4xcrUfYi
— judy murray (@JudyMurray) August 14, 2019
In a statement, the USTA said: “While describing the prizes in the Ultimate US Open Experience, the language used inadvertently compared the men’s and women’s semi-finals unfavourably.
“The grand prize was a reference to a total prize package, including restaurant passes and US Open merchandise, in addition to men’s semi-finals tickets and photos on court.
“Those that did not win this were also eligible to win tickets to a number of other sessions, including the women’s semi-finals. The US Open is proud of its long tradition of gender equity and we sincerely apologise for not adequately describing the differences in the prize packages.”
Image: Andrew Campbell
Share this