‘I’m pretty sure they will have to cancel the Miami Open,’ says Novak Djokovic

World No 1 Novak Djokovic believes that the tennis schedule will have to be suspended following the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) decision to declare the coronavirus a pandemic.
More than 4,600 people worldwide have already died after being infected by COVID19 while the total number of cases is more than 120,000.
The WHO on Wednesday classified the outbreak as a pandemic and countries like Italy and Denmark are in lockdown while the United States announced a travel ban for most European countries.
Reports on Thursday suggested that the Miami Open, due to start on March 23, will be cancelled while the ATP and WTA Tours are set to be suspended, but there is still no official word from the Tours.
However, 17-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic insists there is no way that they can continue to play.
“I agree with most players [that the Tour should be suspended], although I understand why some players think the Tour should continue,” he told Republika.
He added that “Miami can no longer wait for the final decision” adding that “I’m pretty sure they’ll have to cancel the tournament today, tomorrow at the latest”.
This week’s Indian Wells Masters was the first tournament to fall victim to COVID19, putting tennis players in limbo.
Although Djokovic is still in the United States, he is set to return to Serbia in the next 24 hours.
“I’m in Los Angeles right now, but I’ll take the flight tonight or tomorrow at the latest,” he said.
“I honestly do not know what can happen under these new circumstances and I do not know if we can play Miami or any other tournament until the WHO removes the status of the pandemic.”
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Gutsy Andy Murray hoping for a day off before battle of the Brits
Andy Murray needs a day off before his battle of the Brits showdown with Cameron Norrie.
-
US Open
John McEnroe backs Novak Djokovic in US Open row
‘It is BS’ John McEnroe fumes at Novak Djokovic’s US Open situation.
-
ATP Tour
WTA Rankings: Simona Halep soars up to World No 6, Coco Gauff tops doubles ladder
Simona Halep is well placed to make a run on the top five, while Coco Gauff tops the doubles rankings.
-
Tennis News
Serena Williams gains lavish praise from Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal has nothing but well-wishes for Serena Williams.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: What needs to happen for Rafael Nadal to snatch No 1 in Cincy
Here’s how Rafael Nadal can return to World No 1 in Cincinnati
-
ATP Tour
Andy Murray vs Stan Wawrinka in Cincinnati: What time is the big match and where to watch it…
Three-time Grand Slam winners Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka meeting early in Cincy.
-
ATP Tour
Rafael Nadal on having an opportunity to become world No 1 again: ‘I didn’t expect it’
Rafael Nadal could return to world No 1 next week.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu teams up with Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in Cincinnati doubles
Nicknames for team Raducanu-Rybakina? Radukina? Rybacanu? Emlena? Elemma?
-
Davis Cup
Andy Murray makes Davis Cup return and hopes to ‘create even more history’ with Great Britain in Glasgow
Great Britain will face United States, Kazakhstan and the Netherlands in the group stage in Glasgow.
-
WTA Tour
Coco Gauff after becoming world No 1 in doubles: ‘Being No 1 is pretty cool. Who wouldn’t want to be No 1?’
Another big milestone for youngster Coco Gauff.