The Indian Wells Masters 2020 has officially been called off due to the ghost of Coronavirus that has continuously been haunting the world in the recent past. As reactions start rolling in, there is shock, anger and dismay at this big news.
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Before going into the reactions, let’s take a quick recap of the events that transpired. A public health emergency had been declared in the Coachella Valley, where Indian Wells is located. This was after a case of Coronavirus had been confirmed in the region. Medical experts advised the organizers of the tournament that an event of this scale could be disastrous in the current circumstances.
This sent panic waves across the tournament functionaries and a quick decision was taken. Finally, tournament director Tommy Haas made the unfortunate announcement. He was also hopeful that the tournament could be held at a later date. However, considering the packed tennis schedule, that looks highly unlikely.
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Fans and players have had mixed reactions to the announcement. While some have welcomed the decision and called it necessary, others have termed it as a panic-stricken move. Others including WTA CEO Steve Simon agreed with the idea of organizing the event behind closed doors.
However, this was shot down as it was not a financially viable idea. This is because of a majority of revenue for running a big event like this cones from ticket money. Apparently, broadcast money is too low for it.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the player reactions from across the tennis spectrum.
How did players react to the cancellation of the Indian Wells?
Some players including Rafael Nadal expressed sadness over the unfortunate news –
You probably all heard the news. Indian Wells cancelled. We are here and still deciding what’s next. So sad for all that is happening around the world with this situation. Hopefully soon solutions from the authorities. Stay all well and safe.
So sad to hear the news about the postponing of the @BNPPARIBASOPEN . I was so excited to make my debut in IW, but safety is always the no.1 priority. Stay safe 🙏🏾❤️
Really... 😭
🥺
The 2020 BNP Paribas Open will not be held. bnpparibasopen.com/coronavirus/
😢
The 2020 BNP Paribas Open will not be held. bnpparibasopen.com/coronavirus/
If the news is true and Indian Wells is cancelled I kind of wish I’d stayed and gone out after Davis Cup...
While others were shocked over this happening. This echoed the reactions of many other fans. Shock is what many of us feel right now –
Wild they canceled Indian Wells. Outdoor event. Players already there. Wild stuff
I’m shook 😶
Indian Wells is cancelled 😭
There were also players who were not impressed by the attitude displayed by the authorities. While some thought that communication with players was poor, others called it a plain overreaction –
Doesn’t bode well for the tour if IW cancelled for 1 confirmed case in Coachella Valley. Broward county (Miami Open home) has more confirmed cases. Monte Carlo borders northern Italy currently in lockdown. Rome Masters? French Open? Wimbledon?!!!
What the f*ck?!?!?!
The 2020 BNP Paribas Open will not be held. bnpparibasopen.com/coronavirus/
Def Not... #ForceMajeure 🤷🏾♂️
@WTA isnt the least you can do is organizing an emergency meeting with the players????
Yes i found out from twitter just now
The Wild Cards for Phoenix Challenger are a more precious commodity than Gold right now.
Well What Would Normally Happen, Tournament Cancelled, Bad Luck, Bye Bye Points, Now When Its As Big As IW, Lets See 🤔👀
Some of them talked about what they’ll do, now that the tournament isn’t happening –
Anybody want some tennis lessons in the next few months?😅 #coronavirus #IndianWells #CoachOMara
Go home and chill
Which stream of thought do you align with over the cancellation if Indian Wells Masters?