WTA adds new tournaments to its schedule, making the total tally 21


WTA adds new tournaments to its schedule, making the total tally 21

WTA

WTA has announced the organization of new tournaments amidst the pandemic along with new ranking systems. As per the old guidelines, a 52 weeks period was taken into consideration, but now a 22-month period from March 2019 to December 2020 is considered. Also, the same event cannot be included twice in the breakdown.

ADVERTISEMENT

The WTA Tour has been suspended since March, because of the pandemic and would resume on 3rd August in Palermo. New events in Prague, Czech Republic, Lexington and the United States have been listed according to the schedule, taking the total tally of tournaments to 21.

WTA Chairman Steve Simon said, “As the WTA Tour looks to return to competition in 2020, we are pleased to provide additional playing opportunities for our athletes,” as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Players like the Clay King, Rafael Nadal has even confirmed his participation is Garros tournaments of Madrid and Rome. However, the situation in the States seem to be the concern for the authorities, many players might be skipping the Grand Slam with safety reasons. Although considering the above, necessary restrictions have been imposed on the organization of the tournaments.

ADVERTISEMENT

Also Read It’s very important for their survival: Novak Djokovic on upcoming ATP Tournaments

The Cincinnati Masters is followed by the US Open to be played in the United States, whereas Clay tournaments are going to take place in Madrid and Rome and Asia-Pacific region. The organizers of the Citi Open confirmed that there would be no women’s tournament this year with the Lexington event scheduled in place of that.

To be precise, the organizers said, “Given the unique circumstances and requirements this year, we understand and support Octagon and the WTA’s decision to hold the tournament as a completely separate event in 2020.”

Also Read Djokovic led committee approves ATP’s new ranking system

ADVERTISEMENT