The CEO of the WTA, Steve Simon, is remaining optimistic about tennis resuming in June but stressed the need to be ‘realistic’ as the world deals with the global coronavirus pandemic.
The tennis season has been suspended until June 8 due to the outbreak which has swept the world.
As it stands, the plan is for tennis to resume with the grass-court campaign which culminates with Wimbledon on June 29.
But an emergency meeting has been called for next week when it will be decided whether Wimbledon will take place.
A postponement is said to be unlikely due to the logistical issues of staging the tournament.
But it was confirmed that the tournament will not take place behind closed doors which means a cancellation is the most likely outcome.
The last time Wimbledon failed to take place was during the Second World War.
And while Simon was hopeful tennis can start again in June, he laid out the factors which will determine the decision-making process.
“Obviously, the WTA family is going through the same things that everyone else in the world is going through,” said Simon, the WTA’s chief executive.
“I think we’re certainly healthy at this point of time and in good spirits.
“I also hope that’s true with all of the tennis fans as well. It’s unprecedented times and we’re all going to get through this together.
“Like everyone else in the world right now, we’re looking at all of the data and taking all of the information we’ve received from the medical experts, the local governments with respect to the restrictions that are in place.
“The WTA and tennis is a little bit unique because it’s global.
“All of the travel restrictions and the challenges being faced are certainly going to affect us in being able to move players along.
“Currently, we’re hopeful to play again with our grass-court season, which begins June 8, but we’re also realistic.
“We also realize it could be delayed even further. First and foremost is the safety of our athletes, our staff and, of course, the fans that come to the events.
“We want to be playing as soon as we possibly can. Hopefully, it’s June, but if not we’re hopeful for the summer hard court season back here in the States.”
