This year's Cinch Championships at the famous Queen's Club event won't feature spectators during the qualifiers which caused a shock among fans.
The ATP event at the Queen's Club is very popular both among players and spectators. It's held in an iconic tennis club which has a tradition that's older than a century. The event generally attracts some of the best players as it's deemed 'little Wimbledon' due to the tradition and the quality of the grass.
This year's event won't feature spectators during the qualifying which was described as very odd by leading journalist Ben Rothenberg. A statement by the event organisers notified fans that it's a decision taken by the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association - UK Tennis Governing Body) and not the event directly.
Rothenberg was able to get a statement from the LTA on the decision and it came down to the lack of time to set up the tournament infrastructure on the site. Due to that spectators won't be present but there will be a charity match held on Sunday.
Transforming the Queen's Club into an award-winning Tournament venue is complex with a very tight build schedule of temporary event infrastructure. It will not be safe to have the public walking around the site with access to the outside courts where qualifying takes place.
Much of the construction will take place during the weekend and having people walk around there while that is ongoing wouldn't be safe. That's why the decision was made but an exhibition event will be held on the centre court on Sunday, June 18th.
This year for the first time ever we will be hosting a charity exhibition event on the centre court on Sunday, June 18th. There will be up to 2000 tickets available.
This year's edition should feature Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune, and Andy Murray among others. It's the first time Alcaraz will play at the event after pulling out last year due to an injury and fans will be eager to see all of them compete in the main draw after missing the qualifying action.
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