Transsexual Has Easy Win (Press, 23 August 1976)

Renee Richards, a transsexual athlete, made headlines on 22 August 1976 by winning her first match in the women’s division of the “Tennis Week” Open in South Orange, New Jersey. She defeated Cathy Beene from Houston with a score of 6-0, 6-2 in just 50 minutes. Richards, who stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and previously competed as Richard Raskind, emphasised her determination to show that she is "not a two-headed monster" and asserted her identity as a woman following her sex-change operation the previous year. In the match, Richards demonstrated her considerable strength and skill, leveraging her height advantage and athletic experience. She expressed confidence about her place in women's tennis, stating, “I don’t think the top women pros like Chris Evert should be afraid of a 41-year-old has-been man,” and insisted that she must compete as a woman. Despite the controversy surrounding her participation, Richards felt optimistic about her chances to compete in the upcoming United States Open at Forest Hills. Richards also raised concerns about the United States Tennis Association’s requirement for a chromosome sex test for female competitors, arguing that it is inaccurate and ineffective. Having already passed a gynaecological examination, she maintained her legal status as a woman and did not see a need for such tests. She anticipated competing in the Australian Open in December and affirmed that she would be allowed to participate in women’s tournaments in Southern California. The atmosphere surrounding her participation was tense, as the Women’s Tennis Association pressured its members to boycott matches featuring Richards. Consequently, 25 out of the original 32 female competitors withdrew from the tournament, leading to a significant reduction in the field. Many of the withdrawing players opted to join a hastily arranged tournament in Harrison, New York. In men's qualifying matches, Anand Amritraj of India, a former semi-finalist in South Orange, was eliminated in the second round. The controversy stemming from Richards' entry into women’s tennis has drawn substantial media attention, marking a significant moment in the ongoing discussion of gender and athletic competition.

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