ATP shuts down the men’s tour

TENNIS: The global outbreak of the coronavirus has led the ATP to suspend its men’s professional tennis tour indefinitely.

It means all ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour events scheduled to occur up to and including the week of April 20 have been cancelled, including the Miami Open, US Men’s Clay Court Championships and Monte-Carlo Masters.

The decision follows the recent cancellation of the Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

“This is not a decision that was taken lightly and it represents a great loss for our tournaments, players and fans worldwide,” ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said in a statement.

“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.”

The decision will have an impact on ATP ranking points.

The ATP has not yet announced any changes, but confirmed that ATP ranking points will not be available at any ITF World Tennis Tour events during the suspension.

Australia’s world No.43, John Millman, said the suspension might be extended beyond the six weeks announced.

“I’m of the opinion that will be pushed out longer,” he said.

“Our tour is trying to figure out what happens to the guys who made points this time last year and won’t get a chance to defend them, because that affects getting into Grand Slams down the track.”

Millman said it was unlikely the tours would offer any compensation.

“It’s going to be every man for himself,” he said. “It is tricky. There’s no guaranteed income at all anymore.”