ATP, ITF Announce 6-Week Tennis Shutdown; No Miami Masters In 2020

The ATP and ITF made it official earlier today announcing a six-week tennis tournament shutdown due to the spread of the Coronavirus.

This unprecedented move means at least Miami, Monte Carlo and many, many Challengers and ITF events will not take place as scheduled.

Lower ongoing tournaments will be suspended effective immediately.

“This is not a decision that was taken lightly and it represents a great loss for our tournaments, players, and fans worldwide,” new ATP head Andrea Gaudenzi said. “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.”

Some tournaments may be rescheduled for later, but the Miami Masters will not take place this year.

Statement on the 2020 Miami Open. pic.twitter.com/MkOZ4kwffF

— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) March 12, 2020

The tour could return the week of April 27 in Munich and Estoril with Madrid and then Rome the two weeks thereafter. But that’s optimistic.

With players losing points, and unable to gain points, there is talk of some rankings modifications.

“The ATP is carefully reviewing the broad impact of this evolving situation related to FedEx ATP Rankings points, and any decisions will be announced in due course,” the statement said. “In addition, in full collaboration with the ITF, FedEx ATP Rankings points will not be available at any ITF World Tennis Tour events during the suspension period.”

The WTA is expected to announce a similar suspension.