The ATP and WTA have announced the suspension of tournaments through to the end of July.
The WTA said, “”We regret this is the case but will continue to be guided by medical experts for when it is safe and possible to return to WTA competition. We continue to monitor the situation closely and are hopeful to be back on the court as soon as possible.”
“Due to continued uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we regret to announce our decision to extend the suspension of the Tour,” said Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman. “Just like tennis fans, players and tournament hosts all over the world, we share in the disappointment the Tour continues to be affected in this way. We continue to assess all of our options in an effort to resume the Tour as soon as it is safe to do so, including the feasibility of rescheduling events later in the season. As ever, the health and well-being of the tennis community and wider public remains our top priority in every decision we make.”
The August date to commence tennis could be wishful thinking. With the aviation industry pretty much at a complete standstill it will be difficult to get players to tournaments.
Australia is talking about have their borders closed into 2021. Tennis Australia are looking at many different scenarios in order to be able to hold the Australian Open in 2021.
With tennis not being played now for several months the governing bodies of world tennis have come together to raise in excess of USD $6 million to create a Player Relief Program to assist players who are particularly affected by the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Program will target around 800 ATP/WTA singles and doubles players that are in need of financial support.
At this stage the US Open is set to go ahead although it could be at an alternative venue and the French Open is scheduled to run from Sunday, 20 September – Sunday 4 October.
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