Curtain on the circuit… Under pressure from the players, ATP decided to suspend the tournaments on the main circuit and the Challengers until April 27. The ITF, which manages the lower echelons, did the same until April 20. The WTA, which manages women's tennis, is waiting a few days to clarify its position but has already canceled the upcoming events. The whole caravan is unemployed and everyone is affected.
ATP has announced a six-week suspension from the men's tennis circuit 👇 https://t.co/Z5KEctbec6
- The Gazette de Monaco (@GazettedeMonaco) March 12, 2020What endanger the financial health of part of the ecosystem, starting with the organizers. "When the fat lose weight, the thin die," says Jean-François Caujolle, director of the ATP 250 in Marseille (in February) and organizer of that in Lyon (May 18 to 25). If the organizer is institutional, a federation or a large group, it works. But if it's private, it can be a disaster. For example, if I had to cancel Marseille, it was 50 unemployed people and 3 bankrupt companies. It can be very hard to get over it. "
Especially since there is no insurance to cover this type of event. “The pandemic risk is not taken care of, continues the former player. No insurance will accept unknown things. Only attacks can be covered. If the Covid-19 were to be installed on a long-term basis, perhaps we could be insured in the future. "
Work or heal
In recent days, Caujolle has been campaigning for continued activity, even behind closed doors. The evolution of the epidemic has made him change his mind. "It is a wise decision," he explains. You have to put the importance of six weeks in your life into perspective. Players are frequent travelers, they can get stuck anywhere. There are many people who gravitate in the locker room. It only takes one case for there to be 100. "
Caujolle is not yet worried about Roland-Garros in late May. "They work every day on plans A, B, C, D," he breathes. We are not there yet but for the federation it would be a disaster with all the money coming from which would be deprived of clubs, training, etc. "
Thierry Tulasne, for his part, expects to see “de la castagne” Porte d'Auteuil, with athletes full of freshness. For Harold Mayot's coach, forced truce can have beneficial virtues. "The players are constantly complaining about the overloaded calendar, so this cut can also be good," he tries to be positive. For young people, it is an opportunity to do a block of land work and to prepare well for clay when you never really have the opportunity to do it. We don't waste time. The older ones can cut for two or three weeks to heal recurring injuries and take rest. "
"Let us be responsible"
In the meantime, players can cross their cash inflows for a month and a half. "The whole world is going through a difficult period, reacted Thursday evening the Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime, n ° 20 at ATP. I am obviously disappointed with this forced break, but we must all help protect the most vulnerable. "
Same story with the Argentinian Diego Schwartzman, n ° 13 in the world. "I think it is the best decision of ATP, without thinking of day to day," said the Argentinian. Caring for the people must be essential before any sport. Let’s take care we listen to those who know and be responsible. "
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Financially, the last straw for the best can turn into an ocean of uncertainty for the others. With accommodation and theft, some are even in the red during weeks when they win Futures (3rd division tournaments). Those who pay their coach by the week will take out the calculator. The temporary stop of the trips will at least allow them to save…
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