The ATP Tour isn't stopping in China this year.

The ATP announced the cancellation of the 2020 China tournament swing, following a Chinese government directive relating to sporting events in continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The directive, issued earlier this month by the General Administration of Sport in China, mandates no international sporting events will proceed in China for the remainder of the year.

As a result, the Rolex Shanghai Masters, Asia’s only ATP Masters 1000 tournament, the China Open in Beijing, an ATP 500 event, as well as the Chengdu Open and Zhuhai Championships, ATP 250 events, will not take place in 2020.

In addition to the four ATP Tour events affected, the policy also applies to other major international sporting events scheduled to take place in China.



“Our approach throughout this pandemic has been to always follow local guidance when staging events. We respect the Chinese government’s decision to do what’s best for the country in response to the unprecedented global situation,” said Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman. “It’s with a heavy heart that we announce ATP tournaments will not be played in China this year.

"These important events have been a cornerstone of the Tour’s presence in Asia and I want to thank the organizers for their commitment and cooperation. Chinese fans are some of the most passionate in the world and I know players will be looking forward to the next opportunity to play in front of them.”

The ATP said it continues to work on a revised calendar for the final section of the 2020 season, through to the Nitto ATP Finals in November.

The Tour reports "A further update is expected in the next fortnight on a provisional schedule of events."

Photo credit: Rolex Shanghai Masters