United States Tennis Association Fires Its Employees Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

The fatal virus has resulted in the weakening of the world’s economy and with the incoming of the rise, it has led to the loss of jobs. The pandemic has brutally hit the tennis world. Consequently, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) suspends 110 jobs in White Plains, New York’s office.

The tennis association of the US stated its difficult for them to sustain the finances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, they are looking forward to making the 2020 edition of the US Open as a world-class level tournament as always despite the pandemic crises.

USTA Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Michael Dowse expressed his views on the decision implemented by the USTA heavy-heartedly. 

“We have an opportunity to re-imagine the structure of the organization to better serve the tennis community in the United States,” said Dowse. “This new structure allows the USTA to be more agile. More cost-effective while getting closer to tennis players at the local level.”

By furloughing almost 100 employees of USTA, the organization will be saving US $20 million. The salaries of the staff have been cut down and they have canceled their annual and semi-annual meetings. Also, all non-essential services including marketing and operations programs will be deferred this year.

“Unfortunately, today represents a challenging day for many of the USTA family who has been negatively affected by the downsizing of the organization. I would like to sincerely thank each USTA staff member for their dedication to the organization.”

Tattered tennis tour in 2020

This year with coronavirus taking a toll all over the globe, the Wimbledon Championships have been canceled and French Open has been rescheduled towards the end of September. And fortunately, the US Open remains undisturbed until now and is set to undergo on August 31, 2020. 

Officially, the tennis tour has been suspended until the end of July 2020. And the North American summer tournaments set to take place as scheduled. However, WTA has called off the Rogers Cup event in Canada. Whereas the men’s counterpart is yet to unveil their decision.