The professional tennis tours are extending their suspensions caused by the coronavirus pandemic through at least the end of July.
The total number of tournaments scrapped by the ATP and WTA since March now tops 40. The ATP said Friday that eight more events had been called off, while the WTA canceled four events. The International Tennis Federation also canceled its tournaments through July.
“Just like tennis fans, players and tournament hosts all over the world, we share in the disappointment the Tour continues to be affected in this way,” ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said in a statement. “We continue to assess all of our options in an effort to resume the Tour as soon as it is safe to do so, including the feasibility of rescheduling events later in the season.”
Said the WTA in a statement: “We regret this is the case but will continue to be guided by medical experts for when it is safe and possible to return to WTA competition. We continue to monitor the situation closely and are hopeful to be back on the court as soon as possible.”
Both tours say they will make further scheduling announcements in June. The ATP said its suspension of play includes ATP Challenger Tour events.
The top tours already had been on hold until at least July 13. That was announced April 1, the same day the All England Club said it would be canceling Wimbedon for the first time in 75 years because of the outbreak.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.