Tennis stars to compete in Virtual Madrid Open as courts switch to computers

Switching courts for computers, tennis players are to compete in a Virtual Madrid Open late on April 27 to raise money during the coronavirus crisis.

The tournament replaces the postponed Madrid Open, which was due to take place between 1-16 May before the global crisis enforced a total shutdown to both the ATP and WTA Tours until at least mid-July.

Instead, the notorious clay-court tournament will be taken online in a three-day e-sports replica titled Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro.

The names involved are yet to be released but both male and female winners will be awarded with €150,000 (£132,000), alongside a further €50,000 (£44,000) to aid those in financial difficulties due to the pandemic.

Players will decide themselves how much of their prize funds they will donate to charity.

Tournament director Feliciano Lopez in a statement said: "Since we announced that the Mutua Madrid Open would not take place on the dates planned, we have been working on ideas for bringing tennis to the fans.

"We have organised a tournament for the professional players that is as true to the conventional Mutua Madrid Open as possible, without them having to leave their homes.

"And its goal is not just to entertain; we want to do our bit during this period, which is so difficult for everyone."

WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon added: “The Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro is a unique and creative way of engaging the WTA athletes and their fans during this unprecedented time.

“The WTA would like to thank and recognize the event for putting this initiative together.

“We look forward to the virtual game, which can serve as a fun source of entertainment while at the same helping to bridge a gap until live tennis returns, while also providing opportunities to help those players in need during this challenging time.”

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