ATP Tour suspended for six weeks due to coronavirus

The ATP has announced a six-week suspension of the men's professional Tour due to "escalating health and safety issues arising from the global outbreak of COVID-19."

On Sunday, the Indian Wells Masters became the first major United States sporting event to get cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. 

Just before the ATP announces a six-week suspension, Miami-Dade County mayor Carlos A. Gimenez announced the cancellation of the Miami Masters. 

The suspension is effective immediately, therefore Challenger events in Nur-Sultan and Potchefstroom won't be completed. 

"This is not a decision that was taken lightly and it represents a great loss for our tournaments, players, and fans worldwide," ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said in a statement released. 

"However we believe this is the responsible action needed at this time in order to protect the health and safety of our players, staff, the wider tennis community and general public health in the face of this global pandemic. The worldwide nature of our sport and the international travel required presents significant risks and challenges in today’s circumstances, as do the increasingly restrictive directives issued by local authorities. 

"We continue to monitor this on a daily basis and we look forward to the Tour resuming when the situation improves. In the meantime, our thoughts and well-wishes are with all those that have been affected by the virus.”

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2UdD0zV