The ATP and WTA have been forced to cancel their China leg of the season, including the season-ending £11million WTA Finals set to be held in Shenzhen.
Both organisations had hoped to play a total of 11 tournaments between them on Chinese soil despite the General Administration for Sport in the country announcing a cessation of sporting events in 2020 two weeks ago.
But both the ATP and WTA were informed that the only exception to the rule would be for trial events for the 2022 Winter Olympics taking place this year.
WTA chief executive Steve Simon said: “We are extremely disappointed that our world-class events in China will not take place this year. We do, however, respect the decision that has been made and are eager to return to China as soon as possible next season.”
The WTA had scheduled seven events in total on the Chinese mainland while the ATP was forced to cancel four tournaments.
ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said: “It’s with a heavy heart that we announce ATP tournaments will not be played in China this year. We respect the Chinese government’s decision to do what’s best for the country in response to the unprecedented global situation.”
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