The Fed Cup finals have been deferred uncertainly because of worries about the spread of the new coronavirus.
The 12-team women’s tennis competition was set to be played April 14-19 in Budapest, Hungary. The International Tennis Federation said it despite everything that wants to stage the event in 2020, however, it didn’t report a date.
The Fed Cup serves as a qualifying event for the Olympics and the ITF said it “is working closely with the IOC to address any impact this may have on athlete eligibility” for the Tokyo Games.
All playoff matches between lower-ranked teams, which were set to be played in eight locations around the globe, were additionally delayed.
ITF President David Haggerty said, “we are extremely disappointed to have to make this decision, but we will not risk the safety and welfare of players, captains, event staff or spectators.”
The Fed Cup finals include a new format this year with 12 teams contending in four groups before a knockout stage. The United States is set to play Spain and Slovakia in Group C.