Citi Open in Washington was set to begin on August 14 but organisers say concerns about travel restrictions and recent trends in the coronavirus outbreak has led to the decision to scrap the event
Tuesday 21 July 2020 16:21, UK
The resumption of the men's ATP Tour has been further delayed after the Citi Open in Washington was cancelled.
The tournament, due to begin on August 13, was set to kick off the professional men's tour following its suspension in March.
However, due to ongoing uncertainties regarding the coronavirus pandemic, including various international travel restrictions, the tournament has been pulled, putting the US Open at the end of the month in doubt.
We are heartbroken to announce that we must unfortunately postpone the 52nd Citi Open until the summer of 2021.
Chairman of the Citi Open Mark Ein said: "After months of tireless work by our team and close collaboration with our many stakeholders, we are heartbroken to announce that we must unfortunately postpone the 52nd Citi Open until the summer of 2021.
"With only 23 days left until the start of the tournament, there are too many unresolved external issues, including various international travel restrictions as well as troubling health and safety trends, that have forced us to make this decision now in fairness to our players, suppliers and partners so that they can have certainty around their planning."
The Western & Southern Open and the US Open are still scheduled to be played back-to-back in New York from August 20 but the ATP is in close contact with the United States Tennis Association (USTA).
However, in a statement, the USTA said preparations remain on track for both tournaments.
"The USTA will create a safe and controlled environment for players and everyone else involved in both tournaments that mitigates health risks.
"We constantly base our decisions regarding hosting these tournaments on our three guiding principles that include safe and healthy of all involved, whether hosting these events are in the best interest in the sport of tennis and whether this decision is financially viable.
"We are confident we remain in-line with all three guiding principles."
A number of top players, including Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, have expressed doubts over playing at Flushing Meadows, though Serena Williams has committed to taking part.
But it is now possible that the entire American hard-court swing could be wiped out, with a resumption in the rearranged European clay-court season in September.
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