‘We will play tennis again’ – Petra Kvitova urges calm over ongoing coronavirus crisis
Petra Kvitova says it is a ‘surreal’ time in tennis right now, but added that fighting the coronavirus outbreak must take priority.
Kvitova was in California preparing for Indian Wells when both the ATP and the WTA cancelled a spate of upcoming tournaments due to health fears surrounding the coronavirus COVID-19.
However, she headed back to Europe with a message calling for calm.
“It’s time to leave Indian Wells and head back to Europe,” Kvitova write on her social media channels.
“It has been a surreal week here in California, but I’m so happy to see that the health and safety of players, staff and fans has been the priority.
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“We are tennis players and our job is far less important than those on the front line fighting this virus.
“We will play tennis again so please stay calm and in the meantime, let’s look after each other and take the right steps to contain the virus so we can be back soon.”
Kvitova has been in good form so far this season, and reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.
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