By Sally Milano
The Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic women's tournament in San Jose, Calif., has officially been canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Following discussions with the WTA and in light of continued global health concerns regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus), the 2020 Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic will not take place, as the health and safety of everyone involved in the event remains our priority," a tournament spokesman said. "We look forward to welcoming everyone back at next year’s Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic, Aug. 2-8, 2021.”
Added Tournament Director Vickie Gunnarsson: “We were looking forward to once again bringing this world-class event to the Bay Area, but our priority remains the health and safety of everyone involved in the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic, including the local community. We thank our players, fans, partners and staff for their ongoing support, and are preparing for an exciting return next year.”
The Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic is the longest-running women's-only professional tennis tournament in the world and the first women's event of the US Open Series. Since 2018, the WTA Premier event, which features a 28-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles draw, has been held on the campus of San Jose State University.
Zheng Saisai of China is the defending singles champion, and Nicole Melichar of the U.S. and Kveta Peschke of the Czech Republic captured the doubles title in 2019.
Other past champions include Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Andrea Jaeger, Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, Lindsay Davenport, Serena Williams, Venus Williams and Kim Clijsters.