ATP Challenger in Madrid canceled as coronavirus concerns hit Spain

An ATP Challenger event in Madrid, scheduled to be played in three weeks, has been postponed by organizers because of coronavirus concerns.

Spain has experienced a surge in recorded instances of the virus this week, prompting authorities to restrict public events.

"This problem is not going to be solved in three weeks," Dani De la Nava, who runs the Challenger event, told Eurosport Spain.

Another three Challenger events in Spain played next month are also in question.

"I don't know if any of these events will be played," he said.

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Several other tennis events have also experienced the international impact of the coronavirus. This week, Davis Cup ties in Japan and Italy will have no spectators, while China has withdrawn from its tie altogether. Some Fed Cup ties scheduled to be played in China have been moved to Dubai.

An additional two WTA $125K events, three ATP Challengers in China, and several ITF events have been cancelled, and a final of an ATP Challenger in Italy.

There is the potential for disruption of other upcoming competitions, including ATP Masters and WTA Premier events, though none has yet announced any restrictions.

The WTA event in Lyon this week has proceeded as scheduled despite parts of France experiencing the effects of the virus.

The tours have taken steps to keep players notified of any impact on competition.