‘The new rules do not allow us to organize the event’ – Luxembourg Open cancelled

The tournament director had to call the competition off. Still, the event is scheduled to be played in 2021.

Ostapenko

The Luxembourg Open was scheduled to take place in October. However, the organization surprised for canceling the event 4 months in advance with a stern communicate.

Danielle Maas, the Tournament Director,  released a rather straightforward statement saying that they are not in the position to organize the event because of the new rules imposed by the WTA following the Coronavirus pandemic.

This cancellation is casting some doubts about the resuming of tennis as the Luxembourg Open is supposed to be played in a “controlled environment” and, in addition, it seems quite early to cancel this event.

However, it is possible that the competition was canceled also because of an overall upheaval of the tennis calendar and presumably a clash with some other top events.

The defending champion was Jelena Ostapenko that in 2019 defeated Julia Goerges 6-4 6-1 in the final. Here the overall results and the draw.

Here the statement

“Dear All

the sanitary crisis brought about by Covid-19 has put us all in a unique situation these past few weeks.
It is with deep regret that we have to inform you today that the recommendations concerning the new rules by the WTA for the 2020 edition do not allow us to organize this year’s tournament with a clear conscience and in alignment with your expectations. The regulations regarding safety and hygiene make it impossible for us to hold an event that would adhere to these conditions.

We are therefore forced to postpone the 25th anniversary edition of the WTA tournament in Kockelscheuer until the autumn of 2021.

Our joint effort has not been in vain as having to forgo and having to cancel are by no means the same. Therefore, filled with motivation, we look to the coming year certain that we will be able to organize a successful anniversary edition!

We would like to thank you for your understanding and remain with sporty regards,
Danielle Maas, Tournament Directorfor the whole committee of the BGL BNP Paribas Luxembourg Open.”

On a different level, top tournaments such as the US Open, the Internazionali d’Italia, and the Roland Garros are most probably going to take place.