World TeamTennis, like so many other tennis events scheduled in North America this summer, is keeping a close eye on the Coronavirus pandemic.
And looking out for its players and coaches.
In a letter to players, the WTT announced a payout of $1,000 to each of its contracted players and coaches.
The letter states that the money will be sent without strings and is in addition to money that players will earn / win during the upcoming season.
The league, which added $1 million in prize money for its 2020 season, also said that it plans to update its staff on May 1 with regard to the fate of the season, which is slated to begin on July 12.
In addition, the league released a statement regarding the Coronavirus pandemic.
“We are monitoring the coronavirus closely as it continues to have a profound impact on the world, including upcoming sporting events like ours,” the statement read. “The 2020 World TeamTennis season is scheduled to begin on July 12 and it is our hope that we will be bringing marquee team tennis to our nine WTT cities, as well as Las Vegas for the WTT Playoffs three weeks later. Keeping our players, fans, and staff safe is at the forefront of our decision-making. We will continue to heed the recommendations by the CDC and WHO over the next 30 days and will post an update on Apr. 6, 2020.”
In the meantime, the WTT all-star game will be re-broadcast on network television on Saturday. Held in Carlsbad on March 1, the event featured Maria Sharapova’s first post-retirement appearance as well as the legendary Bryan Brothers.
CBS will Broadcast One-Hour Event Special on April 4 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. To learn more about the event, read Tennis Now's Q&A with WTT CEO Carlos Silva: