The 2020 edition of the Indian Wells Open won’t be played. At least on its scheduled slot of March 10-22 that is.
The coronavirus outbreak has claimed its first big tennis tournament victim after the organisers of the first ATP Masters and WTA Premier Mandatory competition opted to play it safe and cancel the Indian Wells Open.
The decision to cancel the tournament came on the back of an announcement there was a confirmed case of coronavirus in the Coachella Valley. Coachella Valley is a valley in the Colorado Desert, not too far away from the Indian Wells Open site.
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According to Dr. David Agus, Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California, the risk of the spread of the virus during tournament was quite high, and in the public interest of all the stakeholders concerned, it made sense for the Indian Wells Open to be suspended.
Martin Massiello, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Eisenhower Health said:
“We appreciate the proactive stance tournament organizers are taking to ensure public health and safety.”
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Interestingly, former player and tournament director Tommy Haas has said the organisers are exploring options to host the Indian Wells Open at a different time in the season.
Ticket-holders to this year’s Indian Wells Open can either apply for a refund or for a credit to the 2021 edition of the tournament by going to www.bnpparibasopen.com/coronavirus.
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