Billie Jean King Cup Finals Rescheduled to Later in 2021
February 18, 2021
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the Hungarian National Sports Agency (NSA) have announced that the Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas Finals, due to take place on 13-18 April 2021, will be rescheduled to later dates in 2021.
Extensive work has been undertaken to prepare for the event in April in compliance with national health regulations and with strict Covid-19 protocols in place. Several scenarios have been under review, which include playing behind closed doors. However, continued uncertainty and the challenges due to the Covid-19 virus, locally and internationally, have made it unfeasible to host a world cup team competition of this scale indoors in Budapest on the scheduled dates.
The newly baptised Billie Jean King Cup Finals will see the world’s 12 best national teams competing over one week to be crowned world champions. The event involves over 60 athletes, their support teams, officials, and event staff. The decision to reschedule is to protect the health and safety of all participants and the fans, and to ensure the delivery of an outstanding tennis event in safe conditions for those attending later in 2021.
ITF President, David Haggerty said: “Everyone involved in this competition hoped that we would not be in this position, but unfortunately the Covid-19 situation remains serious and restricting. Health and safety comes first. Together with the NSA, and in consultation with the WTA, we are in the process of finalising new dates. We continue to work our hardest to deliver a spectacular Finals event in 2021 and, like the players and fans, as well as Billie Jean herself, we are all looking forward to a memorable Billie Jean King Cup Finals later in the year.”
The Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas Play-off ties, which will be played on a home-and-away basis, will proceed as announced by the host nations on 16-17 April 2021 and can be viewed here: Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas Play-offs