The MercedesCup in Stuttgart has cancelled the 2020 edition of the tournament.
The German grass-court event will return to the ATP calendar June 5-13th, 2021.
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Earlier this month, Wimbledon cancelled for the first time in 75 years due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
The ATP and WTA jointly announced extending suspension of the pro circuit to July 13th.
Stuttgart organizers said ensuring the health and safety of players, fans and staff is the primary reason for cancelling the 2020 edition of the event.
“The cancellation of all tennis tournaments on the ATP tour by July 13th was perfectly correct given the current situation," Stuttgart tournament director Edwin Weindorfer said in a statement. "But at the same time it was a serious setback for us. We were fully on track with the preparations for the June date in order to offer the spectators and all partners of the event a top-class lawn tennis event again this year.
"Taking into account the developments surrounding the ongoing corona pandemic as well as the measures and restrictions associated with it, it is painful that the MercedesCup cannot take place as planned this year, but protecting the health and safety of players, employees and fans is everything else subordinate."
Stuttgart officials vowed the 42nd edition of the tournament will be back in full force in 2021.
“The MercedesCup has been an integral part of the ATP tour since 1979," Weindorfer said. "We have been organizing e | motion sports together with Mercedes-Benz since 2007As the title sponsor, the tennis highlight at the Weissenhof was successful.
"We are of course very sorry that the tournament cannot be held as planned this year despite intensive preparation by the organizers. Now it is time to look to the future and to join forces to ensure the successful return of the tennis stars to Stuttgart. I don't want to miss out on wishing our long-term partners and our loyal fans all the best for the currently very challenging time. We look forward to seeing you again at the MercedesCup in June of next year."
Photo credit: MercedesCup Facebook