Coronavirus: ATP, WTA tennis extend suspensions amid outbreak

Novak Djokovic with Roger Federer.
Novak Djokovic with Roger Federer. Photo credit: Reuters

All men's and women's professional tennis tournaments through June 7 have been called off, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women's Tennis Association (WTA) announced that the entire clay-court circuit "will not be held as scheduled", a day after the French Open was moved from May to September. 

The tournaments affected by the tours' suspensions include combined men's and women's events in Madrid and Rome.

Also scrapped are upcoming WTA tournaments in Strasbourg (France) and Rabat (Morocco), along with ATP events in Munich (Germany), Estoril (Portugal), Geneva (Switzerland) and Lyon (France).

The ATP and WTA Tours were already off until April 20 and May 2 respectively, and all rankings have been frozen until further notice.

Le Mans 24 Hours postponed until September

The prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race has been postponed until September.

Automobile Club de l'Ouest president Pierre Fillon said it was an "appropriate solution" in the circumstances.

"It goes without saying that we will make every effort to ensure the safety and quality of our events," Fillon added.

Brendon Hartly, Earl Bamber and Tim Bernhard .
Brendon Hartly, Earl Bamber and Tim Bernhard . Photo credit: Getty

"First of all, I want to ask everyone to take no risk for themselves, their families and others. I would also like to spare warm thoughts for all the medical personnel working to protect our health.

"We are, more than ever, working as one team together with our competitors, partners, fans, media, medical services, organisation teams and marshals."

The event was initially scheduled for June 13-14, but has been rescheduled for September 19-20.

Four New Zealanders have won the race. In 1966, Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon were victorious, while Earl Bamer won in 2015 and again two years later, alongside Brendon Hartley.