World TeamTennis (WTT) said Tuesday that it plans to have spectators at each of its outdoor matches this summer.
World TeamTennis plans to have up to 500 fans at its matches this season (from @AP) https://t.co/QeJbN0X6L1
— Howard Fendrich (@HowardFendrich) May 26, 2020
WTT said that it will allow up to 500 spectators at its outdoor matches from July 12th to August 2nd at a resort in West Virginia, according to the Associated Press.
Under the plan, Sofia Kenin and Sloane Stephens will be the first players to compete in front of fans since the widespread coronavirus shutdowns. The league also announced it will increase it’s prize pool to $5 million, which is up $1.5 million from last previous season. (RELATED: NHL Releases Phase 2 Protocol As Reopening Nears Amid Pandemic)
According to the AP, WTT is bringing all nine of it’s teams to The Greenbriar in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Tickets will be sold for one-fifth of the seats in a 2,500-seat outdoor stadium. Spectators will also be allowed to watch the event from an indoor arena if the need arises.
Events sanctioned by the Association of Tennis Professionals, Women’s Tennis Association and International Tennis Federation, none of which the WTT is affiliated with, were postponed due to the pandemic. The French Open was postponed until September, and Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time in 75 years.