Nonoji Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, CEO: Yumehiro Takabe) is sponsoring the unofficial open tennis tournament "BEAT COVID-19 Open," which will be held from July 1st to 3rd, 2020, to support professional tennis players who have been hit hard by the effects of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
Due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, all domestic official tennis tournaments have been postponed or canceled until July 13th, and all international official tournaments until July 31st. The Inter-High School Championships and the National Junior High School Athletic Meet have also been canceled. As a result, players who were unable to win prize money and coaches who were unable to provide lessons have seen their income plummet, dealing a major blow. However, with thorough infection prevention measures in place, it is possible to hold singles tennis matches. Therefore, the unofficial open tennis tournament "BEAT COVID-19 Open" has been organized to support players affected by the cancellation of all official tournaments and to provide a replacement for the canceled junior national tournament.
We want to bring lots of smiles and joy to the tennis world, the sports industry, and society as a whole, which have been hit hard by the effects of COVID-19.
Additionally, Sanwa Company is seeking supporters for the tournament's funding from May 26th to June 29th through the crowdfunding site "Makuake." Support purchase plans are available, including special lessons from professional tennis coaches, practice sessions with participating players, and autographed merchandise. Funds raised will be used to cover tournament operating costs and prize money for players, and any excess funds will be donated to the sports world. Makuake: BEAT COVID-19 OPEN
[Outline of the unofficial open tennis tournament "BEAT COVID-19 Open"]
Dates: July 1st (Wed) - 3rd (Fri), 2020
Venue: Bourbon Beans Dome (Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture)
Event: Men's and women's singles (10 men and 10 women)
・7-8 male and female players from the top of the JTA rankings among the entered players
・In addition to the above, 2-3 men and women can be accommodated as WC slots
① Competition method: Preliminary rounds will be a round-robin format with five players from each league.
②The final tournament will be a tournament between the top two players
3. Short set (4 game match) 3 set match only in the final
④ Only the referee will be in charge of the match. The referee will make all the decisions.
Prize money: 10 to 20 million yen in total *Determined based on the amount raised through crowdfunding
Scheduled participants (in alphabetical order): Tatsuma Ito, Takashi Saito, Yuta Shimizu, Toshihide Matsui
Kyoka Okamura, Miyi Kato, Nao Hibino
(Other adjustments underway)
Tournament Organizing Committee: Eiji Takeuchi (former head coach of the Japanese Davis Cup team)
Official tournament ambassador: Yuki Ota (President of the Japan Fencing Federation)
