Opinion: Why the Loss of “Out at the Open” is a Double Fault for Miami Tennis
The courts at Hard Rock Stadium were buzzing the past couple of weeks, but for a significant portion of the South Florida community, the atmosphere feels noticeably thinner. As reported by the Miami New Times, the Miami Open opted to move forward without “Out at the Open,” the LGBTQIA+ pride event that had begun to establish itself as a vital fixture of the tournament’s cultural calendar.
To the casual observer, the absence of a single themed night might seem like a minor scheduling shift. But for those of us in the LGBTQIA+ tennis community, the message is loud and clear: inclusion is being treated as an optional luxury rather than a core value.
A Responsibility to Reflect the Community
Major sporting events like the Miami Open are more than just brackets and box scores; they are civic institutions. They have a responsibility to reflect and celebrate the full diversity of the communities they serve. When inclusive programming disappears from the lineup, it sends an unmistakable message about whose presence is valued and whose is deemed “expendable.”
Tennis has long prided itself on being a global sport rooted in fairness, respect, and equal opportunity. Events like “Out at the Open” are not mere symbolic gestures or marketing checkboxes. They are essential tools for ensuring that LGBTQIA+ players, fans, and allies feel seen, welcomed, and—most importantly—safe in sporting spaces.
Missing the Mark in South Florida
The decision is particularly baffling given the geography. South Florida is home to one of the largest and most vibrant LGBTQIA+ populations in the country. This region doesn’t just host the Miami Open; it also hosts one of the world’s premier LGBTQIA+ tennis tournaments every February.
By choosing not to host “Out at the Open” in 2026, the tournament is turning its back on a demographic that has long supported the sport and contributed significantly to the region’s cultural and economic life. This is a missed opportunity to honor a community that has consistently shown up for tennis.
The Case for a Return to Form
We have seen across nearly every major professional sport—from the MLB to the NHL—that Pride Nights and inclusive programming actually grow the game. They broaden fan engagement and strengthen community trust. When the Miami Open leaned into this programming in previous years, it reinforced its standing as a leader in the international tennis community. To retreat now is to lose that hard-earned ground.
The GLTA and the broader LGBTQIA+ tennis community are not interested in seeing the Miami Open fail. On the contrary, we want it to be the gold standard for inclusivity. We sincerely hope the tournament organizers will reconsider this direction in future years.
The LGBTQIA+ community stands ready to partner, collaborate, and help ensure that Miami remains a place where every fan—regardless of who they love or how they identify—feels they truly belong. Until then, the empty space where “Out at the Open” should be serves as a reminder of how much work is left to be done.
