The main stadium of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. (Photo: Matthew ... [+]
The world’s leading tennis players reacted with confusion and disappointment at the news that the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells was being canceled because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The event has often been called the sport’s “fifth Grand Slam” because it typically attracts a high-profile field of male and female tennis stars, as well as some 450,000 spectators, and offers a combined prize money pot of $17 million.
In a statement made late on Sunday, the tournament, which had been due to begin on Monday in California with the qualifying events, said the decision was taken “due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus and the safety of the participants and attendees.”
“The Riverside County Public Health Department has declared a public health emergency for the Coachella Valley after a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) locally,” the tournament said in an emailed statement. “As a result, the 2020 BNP Paribas Open will not take place at this time due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus and the safety of the participants and attendees at the event. This is following the guidance of medical professionals, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and State of California."
Most top players reacted to the news with disappointment but understanding.
“You probably all heard the news,” world No. 2 Rafael Nadal wrote on Twitter. “Indian Wells cancelled. We are here and still deciding what’s next. So sad for all that is happening around the world with this situation. Hopefully soon solutions from the authorities. Stay all well and safe.”
American teen tennis sensation Cori “Coco” Gauf, who had been due to play in Indian Wells for the first time, echoed Nadal’s comments.
“So sad to hear the news about the postponing of the @BNPPARIBASOPEN. I was so excited to make my debut in IW, but safety is always the no.1 priority. Stay safe,” she said on Twitter.
The cancellation of the tournament is also a big blow to the local community.
According to a study released by George Washington University, the combined men’s and women’s event generated an estimated total gross economic impact on the Coachella Valley regional economy of more than $406 million in 2017.
The BNP Paribas Open is owned by Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, the fifth-richest American in 2019 according to FORBES. Ellison bought the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the venue for the event, in 2009 for a reported $100 million.
Since then, Ellison has invested heavily in new facilities, including a second stadium court and renovations on the main stadium court.
He has also celebrated innovation, with Indian Wells being the first tournament to have Hawk-Eye on every court and making a further investment in fine dining, including Nobu and Spago restaurants on site.
Dominic Thiem of Austria won the Indian Wells men's title last year, beating Roger Federer of ... [+]
Some players seemed upset at the news and the manner in which they heard the news.
“@WTA Isn’t the least you can do is organizing an emergency meeting with the players????” Belgian player Kirsten Flipkens wrote on Twitter.
“Indian Wells Tennis tournament CANCELLED due to a single confirmed case of the Corona Virus in the local area. What are your thoughts?” British player Heather Watson asked on Twitter.
According to the New York Times, organizers considered the possibility of playing the tournament behind closed doors, with no spectators, but decided against it.
Tournament director Tommy Haas said the event could yet be played at a later date.
“We are very disappointed that the tournament will not take place, but the health and safety of the local community, fans, players, volunteers, sponsors, employees, vendors, and everyone involved with the event is of paramount importance,” he said in a statement.
“We are prepared to hold the tournament on another date and will explore options,” added Haas, a former world No. 2 from Germany.
“First and foremost, there isn’t anything more important than protecting the health of our players, staff, volunteers and fans who attend our events,” Steve Simon, chairman and chief executive officer of the women’s WTA Tour, said in an emailed statement.
Simon said the WTA “empathizes with those affected by the coronavirus in this region and around the world.” Although the decision was disappointing for fans, players and sponsors, Simon added the WTA “understand the decision which has been made in the interest of public health and safety which is the top priority at this time. It is too soon to speculate about what will happen to other tournaments that follow. We will continue to closely monitor the situation. Health and safety will always come first.”
Fans who bought tickets directly from the tournament “may request a refund for the 2020 tournament, or a credit for the 2021 tournament,” tournament organizers said. It advised spectators to visit the tournament’s website to ask for a refund or credit.