The Historic Debut of Renee Richards at the U.S. Open

September 1, 2024
By Randy Walker
@TennisPublisher

On September 1, 1977, the tennis world witnessed a moment that would go down in history. Renee Richards, a 43-year-old trans woman, made her debut in the women’s singles competition at the U.S. Open, a journey that had been marked by legal battles and social challenges. As chronicled in my book, On This Day In Tennis History, Richards faced off against Wimbledon champion Virginia Wade in a first-round match, ultimately falling 6-1, 6-4.

Barry Lorge of the Washington Post captured the essence of that day, referring to it as a media spectacle where “a swarm of photographers, broadcasters, and reporters were on hand to record a moment that some viewed as a grand gesture for human rights, while others saw it as a freak show.”

The Road to Acceptance

Just two weeks prior, on August 17, 1977, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) was essentially compelled to allow Richards to compete. The announcement from the USTA came with a heavy statement, reflecting the complex balance between individual rights and fairness in the sport:

“The USTA has been confronted with the difficult problem of balancing consideration for an individual transsexual with considerations of fairness for women tennis players in general. It appeared to the USTA that a generally accurate, easily administered and objective test, such as the Olympic-type chromosome test, was a desirable screening process.”

However, the New York State Court intervened, marking a pivotal moment in sports history. On August 16, 1977, Justice Alfred M. Ascione ruled against the USTA, stating that requiring Richards to undergo a test to participate in the U.S. Open was “grossly unfair, discriminatory, and inequitable.” His ruling was a landmark decision that would shape the future of gender participation in sports.

The Matchday Experience

Although Richards was defeated in her singles match, her resilience shone through as she teamed up with Betty Ann Grubb Stuart in the doubles competition, making her way to the finals before losing to the iconic duo of Martina Navratilova and Betty Stove, 6-1, 7-6.

In The Bud Collins History of Tennis, Collins wrote of Richards’ struggle and triumph: “Despite the first-round loss, she became a regular on the women’s circuit, although some players withdrew in protest of her participation.”

A Life in Tennis

Richards described tennis as crucial to her identity, stating, “Tennis was a refuge because it’s something that I love to do.” Notably, her passion for tennis brought her out of a low-profile life in California into the competitive arena, where she faced both admiration and resistance.

As Sandra Harwitt noted in her book, The Greatest Jewish Tennis Players of All Time, it was during a women’s tournament in La Jolla, California, that Richards was ‘discovered’—her past becoming a source of both controversy and inspiration for many.

The Ripple Effect

The reactions to Richards’ participation echoed throughout the sport. As reported by Ray Kennedy in Sports Illustrated, sentiments ranged from “astonishment to suspicion, sympathy, resentment, and, more often than not, utter confusion.”

Renee Richards’ story is not just about her battles on the court; it’s a testament to the evolving dialogue surrounding gender, identity, and inclusivity in sports.

For those interested in watching the highlights of this historical match, you can find it here.

If you want, you can check out the news where I found it.
Yours truly, Mia