NYC filmmaker goes to court to seek video coverage of US Open wheelchair matches

NYC lawsuit seeks wheelchair tennis coverage

NEW YORK — A New York City documentary filmmaker is claiming the U.S. Tennis Association discriminates against wheelchair players by refusing to sell broadcast licensing rights to their matches.

Alan Rich is seeking a court order Tuesday that would allow him to film wheelchair competitors when their portion of the U.S Open starts Thursday. Rich is a Brooklyn attorney and freelance journalist.

The major networks covering the tournament are CBS, ESPN and the Tennis Channel. He says that they do not cover the wheelchair events and that he should be given the rights.

Rich is making a film called “Fire in the Belly” about the wheelchair players.

A USTA spokesman said a statement was being prepared.