Professional tennis on the horizon in America as the U.S exempts foreign athletes from coronavirus-related entry bans

The ATP and WTA have currently suspended their seasons, however there is the possibility of play resuming sooner rather than later. In a statement issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security, it was announced that the U.S will exempt some foreign athletes who compete in professional sporting events in the United States from entry bans imposed because of the novel coronavirus epidemic.

“In today’s environment, Americans need their sports. It’s time to reopen the economy and it’s time we get our professional athletes back to work,” said Chad Wolf, acting Secretary of Homeland Security.

Major U.S. professional sports were shut down as part of the effort to tackle COVID-19, the respiratory disease cause by the coronavirus which has killed more than 94,000 people and infected 1.57 million in the United States.

Besides the athletes, the exemption applies to the sporting leagues’ essential staff, spouses and dependents, the statement said.

The sports covered by the exemption include Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the Women’s National Basketball Association, the Professional Golfers’ Association Tour, the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour, the National Hockey League, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

This bodes well for the 2020 US Open, which was still scheduled to occur in August despite the pandemic. Furthermore, there is the possibility of players participating in a few summer hardcourt events prior to the final Grand Slam of the season.