OFFICIAL: Fed Cup Finals in Hungary and play-offs postponed due to coronavirus

Shahida Jacobs
March 11, 2020

The Fed Cup Finals is the latest tennis tournament to fall victim to the coronavirus outbreak after the International Tennis Federation (ITF) confirmed the postponement of the inaugural event as well as the play-offs.

The revamped Finals were due to take place in Budapest from April 12-19, but Hungary on Wednesday declared a national emergency in an attempt to combat the virus.

The country confirmed that only closed events with fewer than 100 people are allowed while open events with fewer than 500 people can go ahead, leaving the ITF with little option but to postpone the Finals.

“After careful consideration and close discussion with the ITF Board, the Local Organising Committee and in light of today’s announcement by the Hungarian government regarding indoor events, it is with regret that the ITF has announced the postponement of the Fed Cup Finals, originally scheduled to take place 14-19 April at the Laszlo Papp Sport Arena in Budapest,” a statement read.

“Event organisers will contact all ticket holders in the next 48 hours to advise them of their options.”

The Fed Cup play-offs were also due to take place on April 17-18, but that has also been cancelled.

“We are extremely disappointed to have to make this decision, but we will not risk the safety and welfare of players, captains, event staff or spectators,” ITF President David Haggerty said.

“This decision has not been made lightly; the threat posed by the COVID-19 is a serious one and calls for us to act responsibly as a federation and as human beings. This situation goes beyond sport.

“New dates for the Finals and for the Play-offs will be announced in due course and will primarily be guided by the length of time that tennis as a whole is affected by COVID-19.”

The postponement could have an impact on player eligibility for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, but the ITF confirmed that they are in discussions with the International Olympic Committee about potential problems.

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