The ATP world tour have confirmed they are cancelling events in China for a third year in a row due to COVID-19.
China has had one of the strictest guidelines in terms of the pandemic and that continues to be the case as they aim for a COVID-19 free country.
Therefore the prospect of playing multiple events there has become impossible for the ATP and they have confirmed the cancellation of all events in China for a third consecutive year.
These events include the Masters 1000 event in Shanghai, the ATP 500 event in Tokyo and the ATP 250 events in Chengdu and Zhuhai.
Replacing these events will be six ATP 250 events which have a one year license for this year only.
The ATP 250 in San Diego will be returning in week 38 of the calendar on the 19th of September.
While five other events in Seoul, Tel-Aviv, Florence, Gijon and Naples will take place in weeks 39-42 of the calendar.
The ATP also confirmed that the Rakuten Japan Open will be returning this year as a 500 event and will be joined by a parallel 500 event in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.
Speaking about the changes ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi is excited about future opportunities in the market and sends his support for the affected tournaments, “As a global sport we continue to manage the impacts of the pandemic,” Gaudenzi told the ATP website.
“Event cancellations are an unfortunate reality, and we wish our affected tournament members and fans well. At the same time, it’s incredibly encouraging to have many great cities step up to host ATP Tour tennis this season.
“This shows the strong international interest in our product and validates the agile approach we’ve taken in responding to fast-changing circumstances. We would like to thank all stakeholders involved in this process and look forward to an exciting second half of the season.”
The ATP season will continue with its scheduled European programme with the season concluding on the 13th of November at the ATP Finals in Turin.