- The ITP and ATP both suspended play for six weeks.
- The United States has implemented a 30-day travel ban that would deny some tennis players entry into the US for ATP tournaments.
MIAMI - The coronavirus can add another sporting event that has been canceled on its behalf to its long list of victims.
The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has suspended their tour for the next six weeks due to escalating concerns over the coronavirus pandemic that has spread worldwide. The suspension goes into effect immediately and includes all ATP and ATP Challenger Tour events scheduled until April 20.
Earlier this week, the ATP had already canceled the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells due to the coronavirus.
“This is not a decision that was taken lightly, and it represents a great loss for our tournaments, players, and fans worldwide. 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,” said Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman.
“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.”
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The ATP is making the smart move by suspending play for a minimum of six weeks especially with the United States President Donald Trump implementing a 30-day travel ban which would prevent some international tennis players from entering the country for the annual Miami Open Tournament and Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston.
This will have a major impact on tennis betting as there will be no tennis lines to bet on and sportsbooks may have to get creative with their specials to keep people betting.
Sports bettors are hoping, the coronavirus can be maintained globally so that the sporting events can be held worldwide and that would allow for more opportunities to win big at U.S. online sportsbooks.
As a professional sports writer, Robert has written for outlets such as the FAMUAN and other sports-centric platforms. He focuses mainly on NFL and NBA betting, though he keeps tabs on every major sport.
