Miami Open still ‘moving forward as scheduled’

MIAMI — Despite coronavirus fears causing Miami to cancel the Ultra Music Festival and Calle Ocho, the Miami Open is still scheduled for later this month.

The two-week tennis tournament, which features the top men’s and women’s players in the world, is expected to attract a large crowd after bringing in over 388,000 spectators last year to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The field features players from over 40 countries, attracting international fans and media as well.

“The 2020 Miami Open is moving forward as scheduled, March 23-April 5,” a tournament spokesperson said Thursday. “Safety remains a top priority, and we are monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely with local, state and federal officials and health organizations in the lead up to the tournament.”

The spokesman said Monday that nothing has changed after the preceding tennis tournament, the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif, was postponed because of concerns about the virus.

“We are working with the ATP and WTA tours on recommended best practices and following CDC guidelines closely to provide a safe environment for fans, players and staff,” he said in a statement.

As of Monday morning, three people in Broward County have tested positive for COVID-19. There have been no positive tests reported in Miami-Dade County. The Miami Open’s facilities in Miami Gardens are in Miami-Dade but close to the border with Broward.