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US Open Ruling Lets Renée Richards Compete in 1977

8/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dr. Renée Richards won a ruling that the US Open violated state law, letting her compete in 1977.
She was barred from the Italian Open after a sex test on May 14, 1977.
At the 1977 US Open she reached the doubles final and lost in singles.
Julie Kliegman’s 2026 biography “Finding Renée Richards” says Richards supports trans rights but opposes trans women in women’s sports, calling the debate “stupid.”

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Story summary

Dr. Renée Richards won a ruling that the US Open violated state law, letting her compete in 1977.
She was barred from the Italian Open after a sex test on May 14, 1977.
At the 1977 US Open she reached the doubles final and lost in singles.
Julie Kliegman’s 2026 biography “Finding Renée Richards” says Richards supports trans rights but opposes trans women in women’s sports, calling the debate “stupid.”