Madrid Open cancelled in further blow to the WTA Tour

Plans for the rearranged clay court season in Europe were left in chaos when the WTA and ATP were forced to cancel the Madrid Open which was due to start on 12 September.

The event in Spain was seen as key preparation for the French Open which has been moved from May to September. But a spike in coronavirus cases in the city and the reintroduction of restrictions have left organisers with no choice.

"After a spike in Covid-19 cases, the community of Madrid announced a few days ago a number of new measures to control the virus' spread," said a Madrid Open statement.

"These including a directive that social gatherings are to be reduced to 10 people, both in public and private meetings, further reducing the feasibility of operating the tournament."

The Palermo Open in Sicily, the first event back on the WTA Tour since March, is continuing.  Top seed Petra Martic cruised into the last 16 with a 6-0, 6-3 demolition of Alison van Uytvanck.