‘We sensed it could happen’ – Barcelona Open chief lifts lid on coronavirus cancellation

Barcelona Open chiefs ‘sensed’ that they were going to have to cancel the tournament due to the coronavirus crisis, but they remains certain it was the right decision.
The ATP called off six weeks of tournaments in response to the outbreak last week, with the WTA quickly following suit.
Just about every other major sporting event in the world has also been affected by coronavirus health concerns, so it came as little surprise to anyone.
“We sensed that it could happen, all the signs that arrived indicated it,” Jordi Cambra, president of Real Club Tennis Barcelona, said.
“We think that, given the extraordinary situation, the decision made by the ATP is a sensible one, one of responsibility towards the players, the spectators and the tournaments.
“In the end, faced with this unexpected and extraordinary situation, it is the best for everyone.”
The cancellation robbed the Barcelona crowd of a chance to watch Rafael Nadal in action, and Cambra hopes it doesn’t mean they have now seen the last of him.
“It would be ideal [for Nadal to come back],” he told Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo.
“The more years, the better. He is an example, an icon, a fantastic reference for youth.
“It is a very special club and a family tournament. That is valued by many players, who are not machines.
“It is very important how they are treated, how they are cared for, the personal relationship of empathy.
“The attractiveness of the tournament goes beyond the economic prizes. It is an involved club from first to last, which makes the tournament very different from others.
“And the tennis players notice it and so they make us see it coming and expressing that they feel very good with us.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Amanda Anisimova sees off Coco Gauff at Wimbledon for ‘most special day of my career’
Gauff failed to make the fourth round on her third appearance at the Championships.
-
Wimbledon
Impressive Alex De Minaur ends Liam Broady’s Wimbledon journey in third round
World No132 joined compatriot Katie Boulter in bowing out on day six of the Championships.
-
Wimbledon
Katie Boulter ’emotionally drained’ as she admits Harmony Tan match was ‘one step too far for me’
It has been an emotional week for Boulter following the death of her grandmother.
-
Wimbledon
Tatjana Maria keeps daughter happy with Wimbledon run, but hopes to help next generation of WTA moms
The mum-of-two beat Maria Sakkari to secure a maiden fourth-round appearance at a major.
-
Wimbledon
Harmony Tan juggernaut rolls on as she ends Katie Boulter’s fine Wimbledon run in 51 minutes
Katie Boulter was outplayed by Harmony Tan in just 51 minutes.
-
Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios ‘loves’ Alexander Bublik underarm serves, but says ‘if it was me I would be accused of tanking’
Alexander Bublik’s underarm serving display went down well with Nick Kyrgios.
-
Wimbledon
John McEnroe on whether or not Emma Raducanu should take time off after Wimbledon exit
Should Emma Raducanu take a break from tennis and reset?
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon surface will ‘favour Rafael Nadal’ should he meet Novak Djokovic in final, says analyst
“The longer the tournament goes the more the surface starts to favour Nadal.”
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon day six: Follow the action from SW19 with Tennis365’s live scores and results centre here…
Catch the action from Wimbledon with our live scores and results centre…
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon day five: Liam Broady gets nod from Jack Grealish; Heather Watson drama, Ons Jabeur elegance
A look back at day of Wimbledon.