On Monday the Coronavirus outbreak claimed its biggest victim in the sport to date.
The BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells was officially called off following advice from medical experts. A decision was made shortly after a state of public health emergency was declared in Coachella Valley following a case of Covid-19. A deadly virus that has infected more than 100,000 people worldwide and has placed many countries on lockdown. Symptoms include headaches, coughing and a shortness of breath. The most at risk are the elderly or people with underlying health conditions.
“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,” said Tournament Director Tommy Haas. “We are prepared to hold the tournament on another date and will explore options.”
It is not the first time Coronavirus has forced the suspension or cancellation of tennis events. In recent weeks two WTA events in China were called off, numerous ITF events in Italy has been scrapped and three Davis Cup ties recently took place behind closed doors. Although none of those tournaments are as significant as Indian Wells, which is known as the fifth grand slam of tennis.
The next big event is set to get underway in two weeks time in Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium. Although that event is also in serious doubt. Over the weekend it was confirmed that the Ultra music festival has been cancelled, which was set to get underway on March 26th. Officials felt that the dance event, which an estimated 55,000 people attend every day, could be a breeding ground for the virus.
“We know the temporary financial impact that this will have on many but at the same time, we cannot put the welfare and safety of our residents, for any amount of money, at risk,” said Miami Commissioner Joe Corollo.
How the Ultra festival is related to the Miami Open is geographically. Less than 20 miles separate the two venues or an estimated 30 minute drive. If officials in the city are willing to cancel Ultra, surely the Miami Open will follow suit? After all, they were both due to take place at the same time.
Nevertheless, tennis bosses are keeping an upbeat outlook. WTA chief Steve Simon has said in a statement that no decision has been made yet regarding the prestigious event.
“It is too soon to speculate about what will happen to other tournaments that follow. We will continue to closely monitor the situation. Health and safety will always come first.” He stressed.
Although tennis players will be pressing organisers to make any decision well in advance. The Indian Wells announcement was made on the eve of the women’s qualifying tournament with many players already at the venue practising. Drawing criticism from some.
“It would be nice if the ATP Tour communicated a bit better to the players of a suspension of such a tournament when we are all here … finding out about social networks or WhatsApp is quite lazy.” Diego Schwartzman tweeted in Spanish on Twitter.
There is a possibility that Indian Wells could still be played in 2020. Spanish newspaper Marca have reported that the event could take place after the US Open if the Asian swing is cancelled. The origin of Covid-19 came from China and has been traced to a market in Wuhan that illegally sells wild animals. Although at present this is just speculation. As for the European swing of the tour in April, it remains to be seen what happens to those events.
Last year the Miami Open attracted a record attendance of 388,734 people over two weeks. The tournament is held in Miami-Dade County. According to the county mayor, Carlos A. Gimenez, there has been no positive cases of Covid-19 in the area as of Sunday March 8th. Although there has been 18 in Florida, which is the state Miami-Dade is located in.
