Tennis Canada has announced the suspension of the Rogers Cup presented by National Bank event in Montreal until 6 to 15, 2021. The tournament was to host the players of the WTA, from August 7 to 16, 2020.
Speaking at media conference, Rogers Cup Director Eugene Lapierre said they had no choice but to suspend the tournament due to public health and safety.
“At the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis we were hoping that the situation would be resolved in time to be able to host our tournament as initially planned on the calendar, but we knew that the chances were getting smaller and smaller in recent weeks,” Lapierre said.
“Our priority in the management of this crisis has always been to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our players, fans, volunteers, partners and employees. It is thus with a heavy heart that we received this news, but we understand that this decision was necessary.
“We would like to thank all our clients and partners for their collaboration and support during this difficult time. Rest assured that we will be working tirelessly in the coming months in order to make next year’s tournament a great celebration during which we will be able to celebrate the sport and enjoy each other’s company.” Lapierre added.
Clearly, this decision will have financial repercussions at Tennis Canada. And Michael Downey, President and CEO at Tennis Canada insisted they will hold discussions with the ticketholders of this tournament.
“We will contact all ticketholders shortly in order to provide them with more specific details. Rogers Cup is the engine of tennis development in Canada, and ninety percent of the money that we successfully invest in the development of our sport each year comes from the profits of our tournaments,” Downey said.
In connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Quebec government has asked for the cancellation of public, sporting and cultural events on the territory of the province, until August 31.
