We have bad news from China as the Asian country has confirmed the ban for all the international sporting events in 2020 to fight the Coronavirus pandemic. This decision will further upset the all pro-tennis calendar with a bigger impact on the women’s side.
The WTA Tournaments canceled
The news will affect strongly the tours, especially the WTA that had 7 tournaments scheduled in 2020 with the Finals included.
WTA CEO Steve Simon was obviously disappointed with the decision. China had a completely different stance toward the sports than the one adopted by the United States that are trying to do everything possible to stage top events.
“We are extremely disappointed that our world-class events in China will not take place this year. Unfortunately, this decision also includes the cancellation of the Shiseido WTA Finals Shenzhen and as a result, the corresponding Porsche Race to Shenzhen. We do however respect the decision that has been made and are eager to return to China as soon as possible next season.”
Simon is trying to find alternative solutions, especially for the finals to comment:
“The Tour is looking at implementing some final adjustments to the provisional calendar based upon the decisions set forth in China.”
This is the full list of the tournaments that have been canceled on the WTA side
- China Open, Beijing, October 12-18
- Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open, October 19-25
- Jiangxi Open, October 19-25
- Zhengzhou Open, October 26-November 1
- Shiseido WTA Finals Shenzhen, November 8-15
- WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai, November 17-22
- Guangzhou Open, November 23-29
The ATP tournaments have been canceled from China
The “damage” on the ATP side was much more contained with only 4 tournaments canceled. The biggest casualty is the ATP1000 in Shanghai.
ATP CEO Andrea Gaudenzi released the following comments:
“Our approach throughout this pandemic has been to always follow local guidance when staging events.
We respect the Chinese government’s decision to do what’s best for the country in response to the unprecedented global situation. It’s with a heavy heart that we announce ATP tournaments will not be played in China this year.
These important events have been a cornerstone of the Tour’s presence in Asia and I want to thank the organizers for their commitment and cooperation. Chinese fans are some of the most passionate in the world and I know players will be looking forward to the next opportunity to play in front of them.”
These are the tournaments canceled in China.
- Chengdu Open, September 28-October 4
- Huajin Securities Zhuhai Championships, September 28-October 4
- China Open, Beijing, October 5-11
- Rolex Shanghai Masters, October 11-18
Also Gaudenzi has been working in reshaping the 2020 calendar.
