Returning a global sport to the country where the COVID-19 outbreak originated later this year may sound like a bold move, but that is what the tournament director of the Shanghai Masters is hoping will happen.
Michael Luevano is continuing to press ahead with plans to stage China’s most prestigious men’s tennis tournament in some capacity should it be allowed to take place. Held at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena since 2009, multiple winners of the tournament include Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray. Last year’s champion, Daniil Medvedev, walked away with prize money earnings of $1,374,995.
Scheduled to take place between October 11-18th, Luevano admits that it is 50/50 if the event goes ahead. Especially given the uncertainty surrounding both the US Open and French Open tournaments, which are set to take place during the month leading up to Shanghai. Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal has cast doubt on the chances of any more tennis taking place this year.
“The real issue would be, I think, the travel restrictions that may be still in place leading into the tournament, which would certainly impact the ability for players to even access the China market, without potentially having to be in quarantine,” Luevano said during an interview with Tennis Majors.
“We are exploring a number of different options and precautions but ultimately in this country, it won’t be our decision: it will be the government’s decision if they want to proceed with a large scale sporting event or even an event that is played behind closed doors.”
China is slowly starting to go back to normality. Earlier this week schools in the city of Wuhan, where the outbreak originated from, started to open again. More specifically, in Shanghai, their Disney Park is set to reopen in the coming days to a reduced capacity for the first time since January.
Whilst the signs are promising, tennis still faces a huge obstacle of starting to get back on track in the country given the international travel requirements. Although one idea being considered by Luevano and his team is putting on specific flights to and from the city.
“If we had to charter aircraft from one destination in Europe, we’ve gone through a number of different scenarios. Or if they could get into China, could we put everyone on an aircraft and just bring them in. Absolutely.” He said.
“We’re prepared to go to great length for our stakeholders, for the ATP, for the city of Shanghai, and for our fans. Even if we had a limited audience, it still would be good for the fans. I’m optimistic. You have to be. You have to stay motivated. It’s even too early to talk about it now until we see what happens, for example, at the US. Open. And we’re actually flexible to move later in October if needed.”
There are also the questions of how many players would be happy to return to a country where the pandemic began. Fabio Fognini has already said he is unsure if he would play in Asia later this year during a recent interview.
“Well, right now I find it hard to imagine the recovery. I’m honest: I’m sorry because they are big tournaments and give so many points, but I don’t know if I will return to Asia anymore,” the world No.11 told Corriere Della Sera.
“Already at the Tokyo Olympics this year I would not have gone. My biggest fear is not taking the virus, but passing it on. I am no longer alone. I am a dad and husband.”
At the moment the ATP Tour is scheduled to resume on July 13th, however, it is likely the suspension will be extended in the coming weeks.