Sabatini says the sport must address other priorities before restarting its packed international calendar… Read more

Gabriela Sabatini, the revered Argentinian tennis icon, has expressed skepticism about the possibility of the professional tennis circuit resuming in 2020 amidst the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic. Sabatini, in a recent interview on the Subidos a la Red podcast, highlighted that the sport must prioritize other concerns before contemplating the restart of its tightly packed international calendar, potentially looking at 2021 for a

comeback. Despite her doubts, Sabatini remains a strong voice in the tennis world, drawing from her remarkable career, which included capturing the 1990 US Open title and achieving 11 Grand Slam singles semi-final appearances before retiring in 1996.

The suspension of the professional tennis season in mid-March aligns with the recommendations from the World Health Organization to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Both the governing bodies of tennis, the ATP and WTA, have announced an extension of this hiatus until at least June 7. In a significant development last week, Wimbledon was canceled for the first time since World War II, and the French Open was postponed from May to late September, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Sabatini expressed her concerns about the future of the sport, particularly regarding the gathering of large crowds at events. She acknowledged the uncertainty that has gripped the world and the challenges faced by everyone. She emphasized the global nature of the crisis, urging people to stay at home and prioritize their health. Sabatini, who once held a career-high ranking of No. 3 in February 1989, stressed the importance of responsible actions within the tennis community, underlining that mutual support is vital during these trying times.

As the tennis world grapples with the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, Sabatini’s words serve as a reminder that the health and safety of players and fans must be the foremost priority. The path forward remains uncertain, but the global tennis community stands united in facing this crisis and will continue to monitor the situation, acting prudently to ensure the sport’s eventual return when conditions allow.