Eastbourne tennis tournament is cancelled

Taylor Fritz of USA in action during his mens singles semi final match against Kyle Edmund of Great Britain during day five of the Nature Valley International at Devonshire Park on June 28, 2019 in Eastbourne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images for LTA) | 2019 Getty Images

Eastbourne’s annual tennis tournament has been cancelled due to coronavirus.

The Nature Valley International – which each year draws big names including Johanna Konta, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray – was due to take place in the week of June 20-27.

But the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) has announced today (April 1) it will not go ahead, following the latest advice from the Government and the suspension of professional tennis due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Each year the tournament takes place on the grass courts at Devonshire Park.

Germany's Angelique Kerber returns against Australia's Samantha Stosur during their women's second round match at the WTA Nature valley International tennis tournament in Eastbourne, southern England on June 25, 2019. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

Reacting to the news, Eastbourne council leader David Tutt said, “It’s a huge blow to Eastbourne’s local economy.

“It probably brings somewhere between £5-6 million pounds each year. Fifty thousand visitors to the town, and it’s broadcast to 30 countries.

“We are certainly going to feel the impact but it’s the right decision.”

The Herald asked whether Airbourne, another huge summer event in Eastbourne, could be cancelled as well.

Councillor Tutt said it was not possible to say at this time.

“We haven’t heard from the RAF yet,” he said, “All the time the virus is rife the idea of bringing crowds together will be foolhardy.”

An announcement is expected regarding the popular air show in the coming weeks.

The tournament cancellation comes after news Wimbledon, the major grand slam players often use Eastbourne to warm up for, is also cancelled.

Scott Lloyd, LTA Chief Executive, said, “Given the escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the latest government advice and our discussions with the ATP, WTA, ITF and AELTC, it is with deep regret that our summer grass court tournaments and the British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships have been cancelled for 2020.

“This is an unprecedented situation and the health of those attending our tournaments as spectators, players, staff, media, sponsors and guests had to be our number one consideration.

“We at the LTA will be working hard to support our wider tennis community to allow the sport a strong return to health when conditions allow. In the meantime we hope that our tennis fans are staying safe and we look forward to welcoming them back to tennis when we can.”

Gavin Fletcher, LTA tournament director for the Nature Valley International said, “It is with a heavy heart that the decision has been taken to cancel the Nature Valley International along with our other summer events. We would like to thank everyone who supports this event and helps make it so special and we look forward to returning in 2021.”

In the coming days, the LTA will be announcing a series of measures to support those involved in tennis in Britain.

This will include support for tennis venues, coaches, officials and players affected by the coronavirus pandemic.