As we navigate around the coronavirus outbreak, tennis has suffered another blow to its schedule. The Fed Cup Finals, which were to take place in Budapest, Hungary between 12-19 April are now postponed. The government has announced a country-wide emergency in light of the spread of the virus.

The International Tennis Federation(ITF) had revamped the Fed Cup this year, with 20 nations now competing in the event. In effect, 12 nations will qualify and compete in the Finals of the cup.

Included in the 12 will be France and Australia, finalists of the 2019 edition, along with Hungary and another wild-card entrant. The rest eight nations will come through the qualifiers. As per the new contract, ITF announced last year that the Laszlo Papp Sports Arena in Budapest will host the event starting this year, until 2022.

Fed Cup postponed

All the plans and schedules are now up in the air following the outbreak of coronavirus in Hungary. According to recent reports, 67 people are under quarantine while 362 others are awaiting their results. Following the rise in cases, government officials have announced a state of emergency.

While under the emergency rule, there is a border-ban on travelers from countries like Italy, China Iran and others. The government has also banned all indoor public events with more than 100 people. The same goes for any outdoor events with more than 500 people attending.

Trending

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor

April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT

Madrid Open 2024: Rafael Nadal vs Darwin Blanch; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

April 23, 2024 07:15 PM EDT

Barcelona Open: How Much Money Will Stefanos Tsitsipas or Casper Ruud Earn for Winning the Title?

April 21, 2024 12:16 PM EDT

Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka’s Fashion ‘Upgrade’ Stumps Tennis World As They React to Her Outing With Rumored Boyfriend

April 23, 2024 06:48 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

All these sanctions have effectively made it impossible to carry on with the Fed Cup Finals.

“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. Event organizers will contact all ticket holders in the next 48 hours to advise them of their options.”

The play-off round between the nations of Mexico and Great Britain will also not take place. Great Britain was to travel to Mexico in April to fight for a place in next year’s Fed Cup, however, it will now be postponed to another time.

Moreover, there are rumors flying around that all ITF tournaments are canceled until May at least, starting from next week.

The cancelation does not come as a big surprise given the rapidly rising cases of the virus. Just this week the Indian Wells Masters was canceled after a single case of coronavirus was registered in Coachella Valley.