Advertising

Montreal is the latest tennis stop to be pulled off the 2020 calendar as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tennis Canada made the announcement on Saturday in response to the Quebec Government barring the staging of events until August 31, 2020. The WTA edition of the Rogers Cup was due to begin with its qualifying rounds on August 7, 2020.

“If at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis we were hoping that the situation would be resolved in time to be able to host our tournament as initially planned on the calendar, but we knew that the chances were getting smaller and smaller in recent weeks,” stated Eugène Lapierre, Tournament Director. “Our priority in the management of this crisis has always been to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our players, fans, volunteers, partners and employees. It is thus with a heavy heart that we received this news, but we understand that this decision was necessary.”

Organizers will not look to find an alternate date later in the year but will keep the women’s tournament in Montreal for the 2021 season. Typically, the Rogers Cup is held simultaneously in Montreal and Toronto, with each city hosting ATP and WTA players in alternating years. Losing one half of its largest tennis event will be detrimental, as ninety percent of funds put toward tennis development stems from tournament profits.

“It goes without saying that 2020 will be a very difficult year for our organization. We anticipate repercussions that will be felt over the course of the next few years,” said Michael Downey, President and CEO at Tennis Canada. “However, we know that we are privileged to be able to count on passionate employees as well as on loyal clients and partners who will help us during this rebuild period.”

The ATP event in Toronto currently remains on the schedule. The tours will not resume until July 13 at the earliest and a decision on the North American summer-hard court season will be made by June 1.

Tennis Canada cancels Montreal to comply with Quebec Government orders

Tennis Canada cancels Montreal to comply with Quebec Government orders