Tennis comes together to provide Player Relief Program

Wednesday, 06 May 2020 at 14:16

The major tennis governing bodies including WTA, ATP and ITF have revealed that they raised funds in excess of US $6 million to create a Player Relief Program.

This is for those who have been affected by the sport's suspension the most due to the global coronavirus pandemic.

A joint statement released from the WTA, ATP, International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the four Grand Slams said the following:

"The governing bodies of world tennis have come together to raise in excess of US $6 million to create a Player Relief Program; aimed at supporting players who are particularly affected by the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic," the statement read.

"The initiative has seen the ATP, WTA, the four Grand Slam tournaments - the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, The Championships, Wimbledon and the US Open - and the ITF, unite in a show of support to players who are facing unprecedented challenges due to the global impact of COVID-19. Professional tennis is currently suspended until July 13, 2020.

"In addition to contributions of their own, the ATP/WTA will administer the financial distributions of the Player Relief Program, which sees respective contributions from the four Grand Slam tournaments and ITF split equally between men and women.

"The Player Relief Program will target a total of approximately 800 ATP and WTA singles and doubles players collectively; in need of financial support. Eligibility for the Player Relief Program will take into account a player’s ranking; as well as previous prize money earnings; according to criteria agreed by all stakeholders.

"The move by the seven stakeholders provides the financial backbone of the Program, with opportunities for additional contributions to follow. Funds raised through initiatives such as auctions, player donations; virtual tennis games and more; will provide opportunity for further support of the Program moving forward and are welcomed.

https://twitter.com/wta/status/1257749172947750913?s=21

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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