The Indian Wells Masters tennis tournament has been canceled due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.
Also known as BNP Paribas Open, the Indian Wells Masters tennis tournament was canceled over coronavirus outbreak concerns.
Held annually at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California, the tournament is a combined event by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA).
The decision was made after health officials in California said there was "too great a risk" to hold a "large gathering of this size". Tournament director Tommy Haas said: "We are prepared to hold it on another date and will explore options."
One case of coronavirus was confirmed in the local Coachella Valley area and a public health emergency has been declared by medics.
Dr. David Agus, professor of medicine and biomedical engineering at the University of Southern California, said: "It is not in the public interest of fans, players and neighboring areas for this tournament to proceed."
"We all have to join together to protect the community from the coronavirus outbreak," he added.
Haas explained: "We are very disappointed that the tournament will not take place, but the health and safety of the local community, fans, players, volunteers, sponsors, employees, vendors, and everyone involved with the event is of paramount importance."
The cancellation was announced even after many of the world's leading players, including men's world number two Rafael Nadal, have already arrived in California for the event. The qualifying matches were originally scheduled on Monday while the main draw matches were supposed to start on Wednesday.
The decision received mixed reaction. Nadal tweeted: "You probably all heard the news. Indian Wells cancelled. We are here and still deciding what’s next. So sad for all that is happening around the world with this situation. Hopefully soon solutions from the authorities. Stay all well and safe."
Meanwhile, British doubles player Jamie Murray questioned whether the decision would force other major tournaments to be postponed. Murray posted on Twitter: "Doesn’t bode well for the tour if IW cancelled for 1 confirmed case in Coachella Valley. Broward county (Miami Open home) has more confirmed cases. Monte Carlo borders northern Italy currently in lockdown. Rome Masters? French Open? Wimbledon?!!!"
Annually, the Indian Wells tournament attracts over 400,000 fans to the stadium, located 130 miles east of Los Angeles.
