|
"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 David Agus, a doctor at the
University of Southern California, with whom tournament
organizers consulted about the potential health impact.
The tournament, a Masters 1000 event that was set to start on
Tuesday, attracts the game's top players from both the men's and
women's sides and drew a record 475,000 fans over its two-week
run last year.
The news comes on the heels of the cancellation of music and
entertainment festival South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, also
out of concern about the virus.
Italian soccer club Juventus, which earlier had a match
canceled, played in an empty stadium against Inter Milan on
Sunday, following last week's decree that sporting events in
Italy must take place without spectators until April 3.
The Premier League has banned pregame handshakes between players
in a bid to stop the spread.
The NBA has discussed the possibility of playing without
spectators as well, while discussions continue about this
summer’s Olympics in Tokyo.
Indian Wells organizers were prepared to look at the possibility
of holding the tournament on another date, said tournament
director Tommy Haas.
"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," Haas said.
Steve Simon, WTA chairman and chief executive, supported the
decision.
"We understand the decision which has been made in the interest
of public health and safety which is the top priority at this
time," Simon said in a statement.
"The WTA empathizes with those affected by the coronavirus in
this region and around the world."
Several players said they were shocked by the cancellation.
"Doesn't bode well for the tour if IW canceled for one confirmed
case in Coachella Valley," pro tennis player Jamie Murray,
brother of former world number one Andy Murray, said on Twitter.
"Broward county has more confirmed cases," Murray said,
referring to where the Miami Open is held.
"Monte Carlo borders northern Italy currently in lockdown. Rome
Masters? French Open? Wimbledon?!!!"
Sorana Cirstea, of Romania, said that she only found out about
the decision via Twitter.
Anyone who bought tickets directly from the tournament may
request a refund or a credit for next year, organizers said.
(Additional reporting by Jahmal Corner; Editing by Robert Birsel
and Clarence Fernandez)
[© 2020 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2020 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
 |
|
