All three legs of the World Tour events in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital, have been canceled over the dreaded Coronavirus which has taken over the entire world.
This was contained in a statement issued by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) on its website on Thursday, 12 March, where all events initially scheduled to hold from March to April have been put on hold.
The Dayak, Tombim and GSL Opens which have been played in Abuja for over three-four years now, will not be holding at the initial dates as they all fall within the period under purview.
A statement in ITF website reads: “The ITF COVID-19 Advisory Group has been continuously monitoring the global spread and impact of the COVID-19 virus, in consultation with medical, travel and security experts as well as the relevant international and national authorities. We are aware this situation is evolving on a daily basis.
“Following today’s ATP announcement and based on our discussions with both Tours, the ITF is taking the precautionary measure to postpone all ITF-owned and sanctioned events, across the men’s and women’s ITF World Tennis Tour, the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors, the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour, ITF Beach Tennis World Tour, and ITF Seniors Tour.
“This will be reviewed on a weekly basis but no ITF events will take place until at least the week of Monday 20 April. We will work closely with our partners and other stakeholders, Regional and National Associations, to determine suitable alternative dates, with the goal of enabling the resumption of playing opportunities across each category as soon as the situation allows.
“Professional tennis is a collaboration between the ITF, the ATP and the WTA. Our respective organisations will therefore work hard to keep those affected informed and to minimise disruption to playing schedules and rankings.
“Matches currently in progress – including those subject to a rain delay – may be completed today but cannot be carried over until tomorrow. Any matches yet to be started today will be postponed.
“The health and safety of players, player support teams, event staff and spectators must be the priority. It is not possible to predict the length of time that tennis as a whole will be affected by COVID-19, but we will continue to monitor the situation and act accordingly.”
Nigeria Tennis Live will continue monitoring the world tennis governing body for updates on when tennis action will resume all over the world, and report to our teeming audience.