One of the biggest women’s events to take place in the lead up to the US Open has been officially cancelled this year as uncertainty remains about when the tour will be able to start again.
The Rogers Cup, which is the highest level tournament held in Canada, is the latest to fall victim to the COVID-19 pandemic. Which has brought the sport to a standstill. Although the event wasn’t due to take place until August, the future of this year’s tournament looked bleak following an announcement by local authorities. The Quebec Government has prohibited the holding of events until August 31, 2020.
“If at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis we were hoping that the situation would be resolved in time to be able to host our tournament as initially planned on the calendar, but we knew that the chances were getting smaller and smaller in recent weeks,” tournament director Eugène Lapierre said in a statement. “Our priority in the management of this crisis has always been to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our players, fans, volunteers, partners and employees. It is thus with a heavy heart that we received this news, but we understand that this decision was necessary. “
Like the Wimbledon championships, it is the first time the event has been cancelled since the Second World War (1945). Categorised as a Premier 5 event, it is held annually in either Toronto or Montreal on a rotating basis. Organisers are yet to comment on if the men’s tournament will also be cancelled, which are due to be held in Toronto at the same time.
Reacting to the latest development, the WTA has pledged to work with tournaments in order for the tour to resume later this year. Although it is currently unclear as to when it will start with the governing body looking at various scenarios. Including expanding the calendar into November and December.
“The WTA reiterates that health and safety will always be the top priority. We understand this was a difficult decision and we look forward to being back in Montreal in 2021.” A spokesperson said.
“As it currently stands, the WTA Tour is suspended through July 12. We will continue to work with our tournament partners in evaluating when we will be able to get back on the court. We do not foresee any further decisions until next month.”
Those who have brought tickets have been told that they will be valid for the 2021 event, which will take place between August 6 to 15. Due to the tournament being suspended, it will still be held in Montreal next year.
The decision is also a massive blow for Tennis Canada. President and CEO Michael Downey has warned that the body will suffer ‘repercussions that will be felt over the course of the next few years’ due to the suspension.
“Rogers Cup is the engine of tennis development in Canada. Ninety percent of the money that we successfully invest in the development of our sport each year comes from the profits of our tournaments,” said Downey.
“It goes without saying that 2020 will be a very difficult year for our organization. We anticipate repercussions that will be felt over the course of the next few years. However, we know that we are privileged to be able to count on passionate employees as well as on loyal clients and partners who will help us during this rebuild period.”
With uncertainty surrounding the sport, doubts have been raised over the likelihood of the US Open taking place. The United States Tennis Association has stated that they are hoping to hold the grand slam as scheduled. However, New York is one of the key epicentres of the COVID-19 outbreak in America. At present the Billie Jean Tennis Center has been turned into a temporary hospital to treat those with the virus.
According to Canadian health officials, there have been 22,559 cases of coronavirus in the country with 600 deaths as of April 11th.
