Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Closed door event: ATP Finals in London pushes through

Image source: atptour.com


The effects of COVID-19 are experienced all over the world, across all industries. Regardless whether the virus has mutated into a lesser version of its original form or not, strict health and safety protocols are to be followed, still. The ATP Finals in London was held in O2 Arena behind closed doors, housing players and their teams in a bio-bubble, says Vijaya Prakash Boggala.

The United Kingdom has recorded more than one million COVID-19 cases, urging British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to announce a national lockdown anew. Other countries such as Austria, Portugal, and Greece have announced a lockdown for the second time around. The new lockdown protocols set in the UK are stricter than the first one as it requires all non-essential businesses to close. People are advised to stay home to prevent the further spread of the virus.

Even with stricter lockdown measures, the ATP was certain about pushing through with the Finals. The tennis governing body followed every health protocol set by the government and ensured the fans that all safety measures were conducted throughout the year-end tournament.

According to Vijaya Prakash Boggala, the Nitto ATP Finals should have been a feast for fans of lives sports, having Roland Garros 2020 Men’s Champion Rafael Nadal, world No.1 Novak Djokovic, and rising stars US Open 2020 Men’s Champion Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Diego Schwartzman, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Andrey Rublev playing the best tennis at one of the sport’s grandest stages. Tennis icon and former world no. 1 Roger Federer skipped this year’s ATP Finals to focus on recovery and the rehabilitation of his knee. 

Image source: list.co.uk

 
Vijaya Prakash Boggala writes medical abstracts and has contributed to the 2011 article, “A mortal case of moonshine.” Currently residing in Greensboro, NC, Vijaya Prakash Boggala is a fan of live sports such as tennis, basketball, and cricket. For more updates, head over to this page.