By Muhammed Enes Calli
ANKARA (AA) – The prestigious Indian Wells tennis tournament became the latest international sports event affected by the global coronavirus outbreak.
The tournament, known as the BNP Paribas Open, was to start in southern California on Monday, but organizers announced it was being postponed in view of the rising coronavirus risk in the U.S. state.
In a statement, the organizers said a public health emergency had been declared in the Coachella Valley, where the tournament was to be held, after a COVID-19 case was confirmed in the area.
“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, and the state of California,” said the statement.
It added that people who had “purchased tickets directly from the tournament may request a refund for the 2020 tournament, or a credit for the 2021 tournament.”
The tournament’s director Tommy Haas expressed his disappointment over the development but said the safety of everyone involved with the event was “of paramount importance.”
Spanish star Rafael Nadal, one of the main attractions of the tournament, also posted a message on Twitter.
“You probably all heard the news. 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,” he said.
The BNP Paribas Open is a prominent feature of the annual tennis calendar.
It is a Masters 1000 event on the men's tour and a Premier Mandatory event on the women's tour.
The tournament’s popularity has increased steadily over past years and it drew over 475,000 fans in 2019.
Earlier in February, the Women’s Tennis Association called off the 2020 Xi’an Open due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The tournament was to take place in the city of Xi’an in China’s central Shaanxi province from April 13-19.
