Madrid Open organizers have been instructed by local health authorities not to stage the tournament next month due to the rise in coronavirus cases in the Spanish capital and are calculating their options, they said on Saturday.
The Madrid Open, which was rearranged to take place from Sept. 12-20 and features both men's and women's events, is an important tournament for the players to prepare for the French Open which starts on Sept. 27.
"The organizers of the Mutua Madrid Open have been in close communication with the competent health organizations in the Community of Madrid and with the National Sports Council," the organizers said in a statement.
"In the last meeting, on July 29, due to the increase in cases... in Madrid in recent days, the organizers stated their concerns about being able to stage the tournament free from health complications that might affect players, fans and staff.
"In view of this situation, the organizers requested the help of Antonio Zapatero, Deputy Secretary of Public Health, and were advised not to stage the tournament due to the current trend of COVID-19 cases."
The organizers added that they were keen to make a decision in good time as it was "impossible to guarantee a positive change in this situation in the coming weeks."
Spain has recorded more than 306,370 cases of coronavirus.
"In light of the advice... the organizers... are analyzing and closely evaluating all the possible options, while always focusing on guaranteeing the safety of all those involved," they added.
"The final decision... will fall to Ion Tiriac and Super Slam Ltd., the tournament's license holder."
The professional tennis campaign is scheduled to resume after a five-month shutdown due to the pandemic with the WTA's Palermo Ladies Open in the Sicilian capital on Monday.
