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Andre Stein, the President of the AFT, says he is worried about the fallout from the cancelation of tennis tournaments and sporting events across the globe due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking to DHnet, Stein says, "I am more than worried.
In Belgium, the interclub starts at the end of April. They generate big receipts for the clubs. Will they take place? Will they be postponed? It is still too early for know. The pro team players receive a salary on the sole basis of their prize money.
AFT pays their coach and their travel expenses. If they do not play, they do not earn any more money. AFT cannot afford to pay them monthly compensation. I don't think ATP can pay a guaranteed minimum income to players. A guy like David Goffin isn't earning a penny yet.
With his status, he's not in trouble. Tournaments will lose money, especially those canceled at the last minute. Upstream investments are heavy. Sponsors will not pay anything if the event does not take place." Stein says the postponement of tournaments is not a feasible idea for ATP & WTA Tours since the calendar is already packed though it could be possible for the ITF events like the Fed Cup, which was scheduled in Hungary in April but has since been called off.
"On the ITF circuit, it is possible. For ATP and WTA, postposing is science fiction. The calendar is complete. Based on personal observations, I think there is only one possibility to still compete in the Fed Cup in 2020. During the week of the Laver Cup in September, the calendar does not foresee any women's tournament. "
