The BNP Paribas Open will not be taking place amid the growing outbreak of coronavirus. The tournament, due to begin on Monday at Indian Wells in California, included high-profile entrants such as Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Officials decided not to hold the event after the Riverside County Public Health Department placed Coachella Valley under a state of public health emergency following a locally confirmed case of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
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A statement from event organizers explained, “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 Centres for Disease Control (CDC), and the State of California.”
Indian Wells is the first stop in the Premier Mandatory category of the WTA season and appears on the Masters 1000 tour for the men. As such, it holds a significant place in the calendar for professional tennis players, and its loss will no doubt be felt.
Nadal himself took to Twitter following the decision to express his views. “You probably heard the news,” he wrote. “Indian Wells canceled. 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.”
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