Re: 2020 ATP Calendar & COVID-19 Impact

by Steerpike60 Mon Apr 06, 2020 4:37 pm

Rosaline wrote:Yes, it's unreasonable of them but it's that hard core of ND fans who seem to be absolutely everywhere checking what's being said re their hero or re Roger and launching themselves as the slightest opportunity to kick Roger or insist ND is being unfairly treated.

Yes, Roger does benefit as do some other players who are injured currently, but it's swings and roundabouts re injury and the ND fans know it perfectly well. But they can't ever resist wading in and bawling "unfair" or alternatively gloating when anything goes against Roger.

The "ics" are desperate for Djoker to surpass Roger on any front. They know he will never be beloved the way Roger is, so they want all the stats. Djoker may very well pass the overall weeks at #1 with or without the rankings freeze. But he'll never have the consecutive weeks! Smile

And yes, Roger is absolutely benefiting from the rankings freeze as we know he wouldn't be playing now anyway. But for the "ics" to think the stats should still be counting during this freeze, that's just them being jerks. This is not the same as the schedule time off between the YEC and the start of the next year. That happens every year. This stoppage is unprecedented and no way should this count for or against any streak. No one knows how long this will last. What if the tour doesn't come back until next year??? Is Djoker supposed to add nearly a free year at #1?? I don't think so. Frozen means frozen.

by Rosaline Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:10 pm

I expect someone's seen the announcement from Madrid - an idea from Feli and others developing into some kind of online contest between some top players over 4 days late May. Hopefully will be easy enough to watch but not yet clear where we'll find the streaming. I don't have time just now to pick up the links or make sure it's in the right topic here, sorry, rushing off to supper and just noticed the comments above to my earlier comments...

by Rufus1 Tue Apr 07, 2020 3:13 pm

Australia is already considering options for AO 2021. For example, it is already known that an end to social distancing there does NOT mean an end to incoming international travel while the pandemic is elsewhere.

https://www.lequipe.fr/Tennis/Actualites/Coronavirus-l-open-d-australie-2021-a-huis-clos/1125484

In this vein, nobody knows how the pandemic will evolve. However pro tennis is a global sport with players from around the world travelling to new international places weekly. International travel may well continue to be be limited. As a result, pro tennis will be one of the last sports to resume. I have heard rumours of mini "tours" within France, for their players, and within Spain for theirs, once their local situations improve. This would allow lower ranked players to earn some money as well as get matches in - sort of like interclub competitions that many European players participate in for extra cash in the normal times. These would NOT be for points/ranking since not universally open, but it would be income generating for players. Other countries may choose to do something similar if appropriate. However, global travel has to open up before anything resembling the ATP tour opens up. And situations improved in host countries so that filling stadiums does not jeopardize local health. (Suggestions using empty stadiums and streaming to TV is NOT viable for most tournaments. Rogers Cup TD, for example, have already said that this is NOT a viable alternative for them and that is a masters 1000 - lower tiered tournaments for which money was tight in good times, even less)

by Steerpike60 Tue Apr 07, 2020 7:30 pm

Rosaline wrote:I expect someone's seen the announcement from Madrid - an idea from Feli and others developing into some kind of online contest between some top players over 4 days late May. Hopefully will be easy enough to watch but not yet clear where we'll find the streaming. I don't have time just now to pick up the links or make sure it's in the right topic here, sorry, rushing off to supper and just noticed the comments above to my earlier comments...

Yeah, I did read about it. Here's one article:

https://news.yahoo.com/tennis-players-swap-rackets-game-070826671.html

by UES Tue Apr 07, 2020 8:21 pm

I also strongly doubt the US Open will be held this year. I live in NYC and we are still on lockdown until at least april 29th. Even if the lockdown is lifted that day Governor Cuomo has been very blunt that it will take months for the city to return to any resemblance of "normal" or as he put it, "the new normal." Even if the USTA was able hold the Open in late August, my bet is that it would be a shortened version played in front of very small crowds.

Stay safe everyone!

by Rosaline Tue Apr 07, 2020 8:28 pm

I wonder if even RG will be played in late Sept. But perhaps we might get something in the autumn such as Basel, Paris, Moscow, and some kind of WTF? Question will be if the virus returns pandemically next winter...

by **Cromar** Tue Apr 07, 2020 9:42 pm

Roger got them going on Twitter with this tweet today... Smile

He got the hat in Quito! Thumbs up

Here’s a helpful solo drill. Let’s see what you got! Reply back with a video and I’ll provide some tips. Choose your hat wisely #tennisathome pic.twitter.com/05lliIqh1h
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 7, 2020

by **Cromar** Tue Apr 07, 2020 10:56 pm

Novak was quick to answer Roger's challenge with a video on IG. Roger's reply... the best! Giggle

Click the image to view the clip on IG...

by Rosaline Wed Apr 08, 2020 12:13 pm

I think there should be an answer from Sascha somewhere? Yes, Roger's answer to Novak was very good!

by **Cromar** Thu Apr 09, 2020 7:22 am

A Covid-19 alternative to the Madrid Open... Something to look forward to at the end of the month! Smile

#PLAYATHOME: 2020 MADRID EVENT SHIFTS TO ONLINE GAMING COMPETITION

There will be a 16-player round robin tournament, with ATP and WTA players competing virtually in Manolo Santana Stadium through the World Tennis Tour video game.

By Kamakshi Tandon | Tennis.com

April 08, 2020

With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing professional tennis players off the courts until at least mid-July, the Mutua Madrid Open has found an alternative way to bring some of the sport's biggest stars together in Manolo Santana Stadium.

Organizers of the combined ATP-WTA event will stage an online version of their tournament from April 27-30. It will begin with a 16-player round robin competition using the World Tennis Tour video game, featuring a mix of players from both tours playing online, along with some other contests.

"Since we announced that the Mutua Madrid Open would not take place on the dates planned, we have been working on ideas for bringing tennis to the fans," Spanish player Feliciano Lopez, who now also runs the tournament, said in a statement. "The Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro highlights the tournament’s technological, youthful and innovative side [and] is fitting for the current circumstances."

The winners will ultimately have the chance to help their lower-ranked colleagues in need. With a prize purse of 150,000 Euros per draw, the champions will have ownership on how 100,000 Euros are distributed, with remaining third allocated toward coronavirus pandemic relief efforts.

2020 ATP Calendar & COVID-19 Impact - Page 9 C04e188f2cb44629997f201de530384e

2020 ATP Calendar & COVID-19 Impact - Page 9 C04e188f2cb44629997f201de530384e

“This is a win-win for all—the Mutua Madrid Open, the players, and the fans," ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said. "We are particularly pleased that funds raised from this initiative will contribute towards supporting the wider playing group, which is critical during these challenging times.”

The WTA's chairman and CEO Steve Simon concurred.

"We look forward to the virtual game, which can serve as a fun source of entertainment while at the same helping to bridge a gap until live tennis returns," he said. While also providing opportunities to help those players in need during this challenging time.”

The event will be televised and online, with interviews and commentary.

The tournament next plans on announcing the names of the players who will participate in the competition.

by **Cromar** Thu Apr 09, 2020 10:06 am

For some insight on what the ATP is planning for the rest of the year, see the interview with ATP Chairman Gaudenzi I just posted in the 2020 General Tennis News - Very interesting!

I posted the interview in the 'Tennis News' thread as Gaudenzi not only talks about their plans post Covid-19 suspension, but also about the collaboration and new direction he wants to take for the good of the entire tennis community.

by TennisBhakt Fri Apr 10, 2020 4:30 am

Could it be! Initially thought this was fake news. Health & safety first, but would love to see some tennis again.

ATP aims to have 7 Masters & 3 Grand Slams in the 2020 calendar by playing through the Nov/Dec off-season - https://www.essentiallysports.com/atp-chairman-unveils-new-schedule-for-the-atp-tour-atp-tennis-news/

by Rufus1 Fri Apr 10, 2020 9:41 pm

The government of Quebec has just cancelled all festivals, major sporting events etc until the end of August. The ladies version of Rogers Cup would be affected. The men's version, likewise scheduled beginning August 7 but for Toronto, is still officially on but not encouraging, to be honest.

Stephanie Myles continues to update the story - she is a Canadian tennis writer living in Montreal. Here is her latest version.
http://opencourt.ca/coupe-rogers-to-be-cancelled-as-quebec-government-extends-shutdown/

Re ATP version of the Rogers Cup from the above article

The next question: will Ontario follow suit?

Toronto Rogers Cup tournament director Karl Hale told Open Court they’re in evaluation mode.

‘We, like the world, are evaluating everything one day at a time. The environment is changing by the minute. The health and safety of our players, fans, partners and staff is priority No. 1 as we go through the process,” Hale said.

Statement from Tennis Canada. They hope to issue a joint statement with the WTA tomorrow. Potential postponement but the fall schedule is very crowded.

https://www.couperogers.com/en/news/tennis-canadas-position-regarding-the-government-request-to-cancel-all-events-scheduled-until-august-31/

The various tennis entities are trying to plan for various scenarios as the ATP chairman alluded to in his interview, but at the end of the day the local governments will have the final say as to whether those plans can be implemented.

by **Cromar** Sat Apr 11, 2020 12:28 am

A moving message from Wimbledon, with Roger participation. Love it

We are UNITED IN HOPE @Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/lDKJJPgFJw
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 9, 2020

Play is suspended, but we cheer for a different kind of champion.

Narrated by @rogerfederer.#StayHomeSaveLives | #ClapForCarers | #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/76pBLWOrRr
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) April 9, 2020

by **Cromar** Mon Apr 13, 2020 10:12 am

For a little Easter celebration, some soothing music...

A moving performance by Andrea Bocelli, alone in front the Cathedral of Milan, singing Amazing Grace! Love it

You can restart the video from the beginning if you would like to watch the entire preceding concert inside the Basilica (25 minutes). This was organised by the city of Milan.

by Rosaline Mon Apr 13, 2020 12:19 pm

So beautiful, thank you, Cromar.

Yesterday I watched the Pope's Urbi et Orbi Address and Blessing after Mass from St Peter's. So eerie that the great square outside was totally deserted, and the cathedral itself with just a few officiating in there. There are various views on YT including the complete mass so I'll leave you all to choose the language you want.

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