Miami Open 2020 to Be Canceled as Novak Djokovic Raises Concerns

With one coronavirus confirmed case in the Coachella Valley of California, the BNP Paribas Open 2020 in Indian Wells was canceled three days before its commencement. And now the escalating situation of the global pandemic will cancel Miami Open 2020.

World Number one Novak Djokovic addressed his concerns as the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic

“WHO’s official confirmation that it is a worldwide pandemic means a major shutdown of transport, events, perhaps even exchanges. This state of emergency for the whole world. I do not see how the Miami tournament will be held under these conditions. My advice to all guys in the US is to return to Europe in the next 48 hours, maybe earlier,” he said. 

“I’m currently in Los Angeles but will take flight tonight or tomorrow at the latest. I honestly do not know what can happen under these new circumstances. I do not know if we can play Miami other tournaments until WHO removes the statement of the pandemic,” Djokovic said.

According to reports Miami Open 2020 has been called off. “According to usually reliable sources an announcement is brewing to the effect that the Miami Open is officially off,” the journalist Mike Dickson from The Daily Mail reported.

Also, the Italian tennis player, Fabio Fognini’s father tweeted about Miami Open’s cancelation. He stated about having a conversation with Fognini regarding the same.

With this, the upcoming tournaments in the near future possibly won’t happen as per schedule.

Statement from Miami Open 2020

After the fifth Grand Slam in the Palm Springs desert, Indian Wells 2020 got canceled, the second tournament of the Sunshine Double released their statement, and they were planning to move forward with their schedule. But with the severity of coronavirus increasing every hour, James Blake’s tournament Miami Open has compelled to be annulled.

In the city of Miami, Florida numerous events have been canceled or postponed.  The Ultra Music Festival has been postponed. The Archdiocese of Miami has canceled all Catholic Athletic League activities.

On Wednesday, The Fed Cup Finals, which were to take place in Budapest, Hungary between 12-19 April are now postponed. The Hungarian government has announced a country-wide emergency in light of the spread of the virus.

“After careful consideration and close discussion with the ITF Board, the Local Organising Committee and in light of today’s announcement by the Hungarian government regarding indoor events, it is with regret that the ITF has announced the postponement of the Fed Cup Finals,” Fed Cup announced.

Also, the ATP Budapest in April where Stan Wawrinka confirmed his appearance will not take place.