ATP cancels 2020 Citi Open due to coronavirus pandemic

The pandemic has affected various sporting events across the globe.

ATP and organisers of 2020 Citi Open, the ATP 500 event in Washington, D.C., have announced the cancellation of the tournament due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The tournament, which was scheduled to begin on 13 August, marked the planned resumption of the ATP Tour following the suspension of professional tennis in March. However, with continued uncertainties affecting the ability to meet key event planning deadlines, the decision has been made to cancel the event.

However, ATP continues to work closely with the USTA on the Western & Southern Open and the US Open, which are scheduled to take place back-to-back in New York, beginning on 20 August.

"It’s disappointing that due to these unprecedented times, the Citi Open will not be able to go ahead this year. I know how hard Mark Ein and his team have worked to adapt to new and continually changing conditions and would like to recognize their outstanding commitment to staging the event," said ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi.

"Unfortunately for the moment, there are still large factors at play which are outside of our control. We look forward to the Citi Open returning as one of our signature American events in 2021."

The Chairman of Citi Open, Mark Ein remarked, "After months of tireless work by our team and close collaboration with our many stakeholders, we are heartbroken to announce that we must, unfortunately, postpone the 52nd Citi Open until the summer of 2021."

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"With only 23 days left until the start of the tournament, there are too many unresolved external issues, including various international travel restrictions as well as troubling health and safety trends, that have forced us to make this decision now in fairness to our players, suppliers and partners, so that they can have certainty around their planning."

The ATP continues to work on the revised 2020 calendar with a further update expected in the next fortnight on a provisional schedule of events including the final section of the season through to the Nitto ATP Finals in November.