The Laver Cup will be held in Boston in 2021 instead of 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic continues to tear through tennis’ calendar.
The event was originally scheduled for the TD Garden in Boston on the 25th of September for this year as Team Europe were looking to win a third title in a row against Team World.
However tennis is currently suspended until the 13th of July because of the coronavirus outbreak as there seems to be no solution in sight on when the sport can resume.
Also Roland Garros has suspended its tournament until September which means that the grand slam and the Laver Cup would clash.
As a result the team event had to make a quick decision and therefore decided to cancel the event for 2020 and postpone until 2021.
Laver Cup Chairman, Tony Godsick, expressed his disappointment but claimed they had no other choice, “We needed to make a decision now on our event,” Gosick said.
“We know our passionate fans will be disappointed that they have to wait an extra year for the Laver Cup in Boston, but this is the responsible course of action, necessitated by the emerging calendar conflicts.
“We wanted to call it now to provide certainty for our fans as well as our players, sponsors, broadcasters, partners, staff, volunteers and of course the great city of Boston. We thank them all for their unwavering dedication, hard work, support and understanding and we can’t wait to bring happier times to Boston in 2021.
“Most importantly, all of our thoughts are with the massive number of people around the world impacted by COVID-19 and the incredible selfless people working on the front line keeping many of us safe.”
The same message was expressed by Roger Federer, who has played every year of the event and will turn 40 when the event comes to Boston next year, “It’s unfortunate that the Laver Cup has to be pushed back a year, but at this stage it’s the right thing to do for everyone concerned,” the 20-time grand slam champion said.
“Although disappointing, the good news is that TD Garden will still be able to host the event next year and I really look forward to finally playing in Boston for the first time at Laver Cup 2021.”
In these uncertain and unprecedented times, it was important for the Laver Cup to send a clear message of clarity and decisive decision-making and that’s what the event did as Tennis Politics still plays a part.
Fans who bought tickets to this year’s event can use it for next year’s event or will receive a full refund. Next year’s event will take place on the 24th-26th of September.
