The ATP and WTA has announced that an additional 11 tournaments have been cancelled, following on from China’s announcement that the country would no longer hold any international sporting events for the remainder of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result of the news, ATP Tour’s Shanghai Masters will no longer take place as well as WTA Tour’s November WTA Finals event. In total the women’s tennis organisation has cancelled seven tournaments with the men’s tour axing four competitions.

Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman stated: “Our approach throughout this pandemic has been to always follow local guidance when staging events. We respect the Chinese government’s decision to do what’s best for the country in response to the unprecedented global situation.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce ATP tournaments will not be played in China this year. These important events have been a cornerstone of the Tour’s presence in Asia and I want to thank the organisers for their commitment and cooperation. 

“Chinese fans are some of the most passionate in the world and I know players will be looking forward to the next opportunity to play in front of them.”

In addition to the four ATP Tour events affected, which includes the China Open in Beijing, as well as the Chengdu Open and Zhuhai Championships, the country’s new policy has also applied to other major international sporting events scheduled to take place in China. 

Due to the announcement, Formula 1’s Shanghai Grand Prix and golf’s HSBC Champions is also set to be affected.

Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO added: “We are extremely disappointed that our world-class events in China will not take place this year.

“Unfortunately, this decision also includes the cancellation of the Shiseido WTA Finals Shenzhen and as result, the corresponding Porsche Race to Shenzhen. We do however respect the decision that has been made and are eager to return to China as soon as possible next season.”

Both organisations have confirmed that preparations of a new revised calendar for the 2020 season are being put in place as the organisation’s looks to mitigate the damages caused by the global health pandemic. 

The ATP Tour is scheduled to resume from August 20 with the Cincinnati Open and the US Open scheduled to take place back-to-back. Moreover, The WTA Tour will make its comeback at the Palermo Open on August 3.

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