‘Status quo’ to remain for Tour schedules despite coronavirus fears, according to ATP and WTA chiefs

There are no plans to cancel or postpone any more ATP and WTA events following the outbreak of the coronavirus, according to ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi and WTA boss Steve Simon.
The Indian Wells Masters, which was due to start on March 11, became the biggest tennis tournament to be hit by the coronavirus as organisers announced on Sunday it “will not take place at this time”, adding they “are prepared to hold the tournament on another date”.
Speculation was rife that the Miami Open would also be affected, but officials are adamant it “is moving forward as scheduled”.
With Italy on full lockdown and the likes of France and Spain also affected by the virus, there are doubts over several European clay-court events.
Wimbledon still ‘on at present’ despite coronavirus outbreak fears
ATP head Gaudenzi, though, insists at this stage there are no plans to make changes to the calendar.
“While we regret that the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells will not take place, the ATP Tour calendar beyond Indian Wells remains as status quo,” he said in a statement.
“We continue to monitor the situation daily, working closely with our player and tournament members with the understanding that direction must be taken from local public health authorities.
“We are committed to exploring all options for the operation of upcoming tournaments as the health and safety of our players and all other stakeholders remain our top priority. Any further updates will be communicated on ATP platforms.”
His WTA counterpart Simon told The New York Times that they won’t speculate at this stage.
“It is too soon to speculate about what will happen to other tournaments that follow,” WTA chairman Steve Simon said on Sunday. “Health and safety will always come first.”
He added: “Right now our approach is we are planning to operate all of our upcoming events and put every precaution in place. But we will obviously continue to work with the event very closely and will have to monitor all the situations there.”
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
News
Novak Djokovic joins Serena Williams at summit of Slams after 30 club
Serena Williams also won 10 majors after turning 30.
-
ATP Tour
Andy Murray pulls out of Rotterdam Open after Australian Open exertions
Andy Murray will not take part in the Rotterdam Open in 2023.
-
Grand Slam
GOAT race is an obsession for Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic won’t stop until he is the GOAT!
-
WTA Tour
WTA Tour: What to look forward to in February 2023
The middle-east swing dominates the February schedule for the WTA Tour.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic’s comments suggest his retirement may be closer than expected
Novak Djokovic’s family may hold the key to how much longer he continues to play at the highest level.
-
Tennis News
John McEnroe calls for Russian players to return to Wimbledon after latest twists
It now seems inevitable that Wimbledon and the LTA will be forced to allow Russian and Belarusian players to play at Wimbledon.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz salute Novak Djokovic after latest feat
Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz salute Novak Djokovic.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’s Grand Slam race: Who’s in better shape? What happens next?
Djokovic and Nadal both have 22 Grand Slam singles titles.
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Iga Swiatek still comfortable at No 1 as Elena Rybakina finally enters the top 10
Your WTA Rankings after the 2023 Australian Open.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic on course to break Steffi Graf’s record as he makes biggest-ever jump to No 1
Novak Djokovic back at No 1.