Coronavirus continues to wreak havoc after government orders cancellation of women’s Rogers Cup

The women’s Rogers Cup in Canada will not take place this year after the Quebec government banned sporting events until the end of August due to the coronavirus crisis.

The Premier event was scheduled to begin on August 7, but the decision was taken out of their hands.

“At the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis we were hoping that the situation would be resolved in time to be able to host our tournament as initially planned on the calendar, but we knew that the chances were getting smaller and smaller in recent weeks,” Montreal tournament director Eugene Lapierre said.

“Our priority in the management of this crisis has always been to ensure the safety and well-being of our players, fans, volunteers, partners and employees.

“It is thus with a heavy heart that we received this news, but we understand that this decision was necessary.”

The tournament now now return to Montreal 2021, with the WTA saying they will continue to liaise with partners over what is left of the 2020 schedule.

“The WTA reiterates that health and safety will always be the top priority,” they said in a statement.

“We understand this was a difficult decision and we look forward to being back in Montreal in 2021.

“As it currently stands, the WTA Tour is suspended through July 12. We will continue to work with our tournament partners in evaluating when we will be able to get back on the court.

“We do not foresee any further decisions until next month.”

The men’s Rogers Cup is currently unaffected due to it being hosted by Toronta, which is not under Quebec’s jurisdiction.

However, it remains to be seen whether that too will fall victim to the havoc caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.