Shocking news from Indian Wells as the local ATP1000 has been canceled at the last minute. The first ominous signs came when an “emergency” players’ council was called to discuss the situation. Eventually, the decision was taken to leave the tennis world in complete shock.
An emergency player council meeting was held in Indian Wells about 3 hours ago.
The ATP Player Council:
Djokovic (P), K.Anderson (VP), Isner, Nadal & Querrey.
Konta, Stephens & Keys are on the WTA Player Council.
No email out to everyone prior?
— Kevin Pollard (@football_roos) March 9, 2020
Why Indian Wells was canceled
Apparently, there was 1 case of a person that tested positive for COVID-19 in the Coachella Valley and that prompted the Riverside County Public Health Department to declare a public health emergency declared a public health emergency
INDIAN WELLS, Calif., March 8, 2020 – The Riverside County Public Health Department has declared a public health emergency for the Coachella Valley after a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) locally. As a result, the 2020 BNP Paribas Open will not take place. pic.twitter.com/QAV0gKVloB
— Todays California (@TodaysCali) March 9, 2020
According to the tournament director Tommy Haas they are exploring the opportunity to play the tournament later in the year. They might target the fall. The German commented: “We are very disappointed that the tournament will not take place, but the health and safety of the local community, fans, players, volunteers, sponsors, employees, vendors, and everyone involved with the event is of paramount importance.”
Earlier in the week the tournament, the ATP and WTA announced measures to protect the people involved in the event, but that was obviously not enough to avoid the cancellation. It is worth noticing that the median age of the people living in the Indian Wells area is quite high and therefore the risk to have casualties was elevated. Apparently, it wasn’t even Tommy Hass’ call.
Will the Miami Open be canceled?
At this point, it seems plausible that also the Miami Open will be canceled. The tournament should commence on the 23rd of March and some other events in Miami have already been canceled. Time will tell.