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Halep and Kvitova oppose empty stands: "Fans are too important"

"I think the fans are too important. It's an individual sport, that's why the fans have such an impact for us," said Petra Kvitova.

ByKamakshi Tandon

Published Apr 18, 2020

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Simona Halep and Petra Kvitova don't want to play in front of empty stands.

All tour events have been suspended as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic, and alternatives for restarting competition include holding tournaments with no spectators.

"Tennis minus fans doesn't work... we enjoy the big stages so much because of the incredible passion the fans bring," Halep told DPA International. "Otherwise tennis would be a different sport."

Kvitova agreed with her fellow Grand Slam champion. "I think the fans are too important. It's an individual sport, that's why the fans have such an impact for us," she said.

All tournaments have been suspended through the grass court season, with recent government announcements also cancelling or postponing tour events at Montreal, Kitzbuhel, and likely Hamburg.

Halep is ranked second on the WTA Tour, while Kvitova sits at No.12 in the rankings.

Halep and Kvitova oppose empty stands: "Fans are too important"

Halep and Kvitova oppose empty stands: "Fans are too important"