Share

Monte-Carlo Masters organisers 'did not want to take any risks'

Monte-Carlo Masters tournament director Zeljko Franulovic says the option to play the tournament behind closed doors was never under consideration.

The ATP cancelled the Monte-Carlo Masters along with several other tournaments last week, meaning men's tennis will not return for at least six weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak.

One suggestion by the media to combat the cancellation of sport has been to play behind closed doors, but that was apparently never an option offered.

"The ATP made the decision to cancel the tournaments over six weeks, no other option was possible," Franulovic told L'Equipe.

"And it is a good decision, because it is once again a question of the health of the players and the spectators.

"The situation is getting worse everywhere, you have to be lucid. As you can imagine, it was a big blow when we took note of this decision," he continued.

"It's sad, not only for me but for all my team who worked so hard for this 2020 edition. It is also sad for the players, who love the tournament, but also for our partners, the public and the viewers of the whole world.

"But it is health that prevails, we did not want to take any risks," he said.

"Reimbursements will be made automatically by a transfer to the accounts of ticket holders.

"All this as soon as possible, that is to say within two to three weeks."

Despite the cancellation of the tournament this year and financial problems it has brought, Franulovic insists the long-term future of the Monte-Carlo Masters is not in danger.

"There will be a shortfall, it is no secret. But it is very difficult to estimate because we are talking here about ticketing recipes, agreements with partners," he continued.

"It is unbelievable at the moment. But that does not question the financial future of the tournament, which is not in danger."

- TEAMtalk media

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE