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via Reuters

via Reuters

In a major turn of events, The Swiss indoors Basel 2021 has been called off. The reason for the call off is due to challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducting an indoor program during the current pandemic is an enormous risk. The organizers have taken a wise decision to cancel the tournament as the curve of the covid case in Switzerland has still not reached a safer zone.

The second time over the two years that the Indoor open has been called off due to COVID-19 related challenges. The last time we saw The Swiss Basel Indoor Tournament was in 2019, and it was the swiss maestro Roger Federer who took away the title. The former world No.1 has won a whopping 10 Swiss Basel indoor titles, making him the kingpin of this championship.

Cancellation of the Swiss Indoors Basel 2021

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The news of the cancellation of the tournament was released via the official website of Swiss Indoors Basel. The news had the statements from the tournament President Roger Brennwald and the ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi. The Tournament President Brennwald was disappointed to cancel the tournament due to this pandemic situation.

He said- “After careful consideration, we came to the decision, in mutual agreement with the ATP, that a successful staging of the Swiss Indoors in its usual format, with thousands of spectators per day, all of whom will be indoors, cannot be guaranteed.”

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The ATP chairman also expressed his despair about not being able to conduct the tournament. Gaudenzi said- “It’s disappointing that due to the ongoing challenges of the global pandemic, and despite the efforts and commitment of the tournament team to find solutions, the Swiss Indoors Basel will not be going ahead in 2021. We look forward to the tournament returning as one of our most celebrated indoor events in 2022.” 

Will there be a refund for the fans?

To the end of the statement released from the website, the organizers provide clarity regarding the concerns of fans. Fans who have bought the tickets for the tournament. The organizers have decided to give the fans a choice to choose. The choice of either requesting a refund or keeping their validity for next year. A refund of the tickets will be given before June 30.

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The organizers have also mentioned the date for conducting the Swiss Indoors Basel Open for 2022. The tournament will be held from October 22-30. It is really sad to hear that yet another ATP open has been canceled. Even though the decision is woeful for tennis fans, the decision to secure the safety of the citizens and the players that are going to attend the championship is much appreciated.

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