Watch: US Open Chief Umpire Andrew Walker talks Pride Month

"When I was hired by the [USTA] national office ... that's when I finally felt that I'm in a position where I work for an organization that there won't be negative consequences for [being gay]." 

With a career that's spanned more than 15 years, Andrew Walker plays an integral role within the tennis officiating community in the United States as the USTA's director of education and training, where he is responsible for the recruitment, education, evaluation, and retention of certified American officials at all level. Later this summer, his role will expand to one of international import when he assumes the role of US Open Chief Umpire. As the tournament's chief umpire, Walker will be responsible for scheduling umpires and organizing their court assignments and logistics at the US Open, among other duties. 

But for as much as Walker's made an impact on the officiating community professionally, it's done the same for him personally: He recently joined Courtside, the official podcast of the US Open, in celebration of Pride Month to talk about his journey in tennis and how it's intertwined with his coming out story, being a member of the LGBTQ+ community in the sport, and the ways in which he fosters a welcoming, open environment for tennis officials from all backgrounds.

Watch a clip from the interview in the video below and to listen to Courtside: The US Open Podcast in full, visit usopen.org/podcast.