Players in limbo as National Tennis Centre closes for training for a week

British players training during the coronavirus outbreak are unable to use the National Tennis Centre until at least Monday.

The Roehampton site is a popular training base for a number of Britain’s leading players, including Andy Murray, with indoor and outdoor courts and a gym among its facilities.

But the Lawn Tennis Association – based at the centre – has announced that all activity delivered by the governing body are suspended until next week.

That includes the NTC, meaning players hoping to keep in shape will need to find alternative facilities.

A statement from the LTA read: “The LTA remains in communication with the Government and is assessing the implications of its latest announcement for tennis in Britain over the coming weeks.

“While this assessment is being undertaken, there will be an immediate suspension of activity delivered by the LTA for an initial period up until Monday, 23 March.

“This will include all LTA organised training sessions, training courses and LTA stagedandltaapprovedcompetitions. All those involved in tennis in Britain are advised to follow the latest Government advice.”

Professional tennis has been suspended until late April at the earliest.

The International Tennis Federation, which runs the lowest levels of the game, has called off all tournaments until 20 April, the ATP until 27 April and the WTA until 2 May.

The first big event that could take place is the Madrid Open beginning on 2 May.