The WTA said on Friday that all seven tournaments that were scheduled in China on the WTA's 2020 provisional calendar will not be held.
"Due to the recent decision by China's General Administration of Sport that China will not host any international sporting events in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all WTA tournaments that were scheduled in China on WTA's provisional calendar will not be held," read a statement on the WTA website.
The announcement means the cancelation of the China Open, the Wuhan Open, the Jiangxi Open, the Zhengzhou Open, the WTA Finals in Shenzhen, the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai and the Guangzhou Open, all of which were slated to be held in October and November.
"We are extremely disappointed that our world-class events in China will not take place this year," said Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO. "Unfortunately, this decision also includes the cancelation of the Shiseido WTA Finals Shenzhen and as result, the corresponding Porsche Race to Shenzhen. We do however respect the decision that has been made and are eager to return to China as soon as possible next season."
Simon added, "We would like to acknowledge the significant efforts made by our tournaments in the region throughout this process along with the Chinese Tennis Association for their dedication and commitment to the WTA. We share in the disappointment of many around the world who were looking forward to this swing and appreciate all the continued support from our fans, partners and the entire region, as we continue to navigate the remainder of the 2020 season."
