WTA Finals Shenzhen and Shanghai Masters among ATP and WTA events cancelled in China
The WTA Finals Shenzhen and the Shanghai Masters are the latest tennis tournaments to be axed after China announced a ban on international sporting events due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The sport is set to resume in August following a five-month enforced break because of Covid-19 and both the ATP and WTA were due to have swings in China.
However, the General Administration of Sport in China announced on Friday that no international sporting events will take place in the country for the remainder of 2020.
As a result, the ATP was forced to cancel four events while the WTA had to axe seven tournaments.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce ATP tournaments will not be played in China this year,” ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said.
“These important events have been a cornerstone of the Tour’s presence in Asia and I want to thank the organizers for their commitment and cooperation. Chinese fans are some of the most passionate in the world and I know players will be looking forward to the next opportunity to play in front of them.”
The affected ATP events were the Chengdu Open (September 28), Zhuhai Championships (September 28), the China Open (October 5) and the ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters (October 12).
The seven WTA Tour events cancelled were the China Open (October 12), Wuhan Open (October 19), Jiangxi Open (October 19), Zhengzhou Open (October 26), WTA Finals Shenzhen (November 9), WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai (November 16) and the Guangzhou Open (November 23).
“We are extremely disappointed that our world-class events in China will not take place this year,” Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO, said.
“Unfortunately, this decision also includes the cancellation of the Shiseido WTA Finals Shenzhen and as result, the corresponding Porsche Race to Shenzhen. We do however respect the decision that has been made and are eager to return to China as soon as possible next season.”
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