Tennis | ATP & WTA Indian Wells | Tournament cancelled after one confirmed Covid-19 case in region

By Ros Satar

• The BNP Paribas Open has been cancelled following a confirmed case of Covid-19
• The combined ATP & WTA event is one of the largest tennis tournaments outside a Slam.

CALIFORNIA, USA – The BNP Paribas Open has been cancelled after one confirmed case of the coronavirus in the region.

ATP & WTA Indian Wells cancelled

On the eve of the start of the qualifying tournament, the decision has been made to cancel the BNP Paribas Open after one case of the Covid-19 virus was confirmed in the Coachella region.

The tournament, which is a combined ATP Masters 1000 and WTA Premier Mandatory event, is one of the largest tennis tournaments outside of the four slams, and they released a statement overnight.

The Riverside County Public Health Department has declared a public health emergency for the Coachella Valley after a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) locally. As a result, the 2020 BNP Paribas Open will not take place at this time due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus and the safety of the participants and attendees at the event. This is following the guidance of medical professionals, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and State of California.

“There is too great a risk, at this time, to the public health of the Riverside County area in holding a large gathering of this size,” said Dr. David Agus, Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California. “It is not in the public interest of fans, players and neighbouring areas for this tournament to proceed. We all have to join together to protect the community from the coronavirus outbreak.”

“We appreciate the proactive stance tournament organisers are taking to ensure public health and safety,” said Martin Massiello, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Eisenhower Health.

“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.”

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Future of Miami and beyond

Immediate reaction from players and coaches have started to cast doubts as to how much of the tour can continue.

Doesn’t bode well for the tour if IW cancelled for 1 confirmed case in Coachella Valley. Broward county (Miami Open home) has more confirmed cases. Monte Carlo borders northern Italy currently in lockdown. Rome Masters? French Open? Wimbledon?!!!

— Jamie Murray (@jamie_murray) March 9, 2020

Just want to share my thoughts on the @BNPPARIBASOPEN event being canceled. Was there no chance to have the event without the public but then just televised? I feel like they could have included a bit more the players and keeping them up to date about certain possibilities.

— sascha Bajin (@BigSascha) March 9, 2020

You probably all heard the news. Indian Wells cancelled. We are here and still deciding what’s next. So sad for all that is happening around the world with this situation. Hopefully soon solutions from the authorities. Stay all well and safe.

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 9, 2020

The Miami Open is scheduled to start on March 24.