Tennis News: Indian Wells Tournament Postponed Due to Coronavirus

The prestigious BNP Paribas Open, commonly known as the Indian Wells Masters, is the latest sporting event to be hit by the Coronavirus outbreak. 

Sources have confirmed that the top tennis tournament won’t be played as scheduled after a case of coronavirus was confirmed in the Coachella Valley. The announcement came on Sunday night, after most of the players were already at the event practicing ahead of the event.

World Number Two Rafael Nadal was caught on the hop and was unsure how to proceed, stating;

“We’re here and still deciding what to do next. So sad for all that is happening around the world with this situation. Hopefully soon solutions from the authorities will arrive. Stay all well and safe” he concluded.

California has 114 reported cases of the virus and the scale of the problem is seemingly increasing in the region.

Indian Wells usually attracts upwards of 450,000 fans and is well known as the ‘Fifth Slam’ due to its popularity with players and fans alike. In 2019 Austrian Dominic Thiem emerged victorious after he overcame Roger Federer in the final. The Women’s final was won by Canadian Bianca Andreescu.

Some smaller events in the tennis calendar, in China and Italy, have already been canceled and there is a good chance that the Miami Open could be the next to be disrupted.

At present the first Grand Slam of the year, in Paris where the French Open is due to take place in May, is still going ahead as planned.