A fund for tennis players hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic has been created, the sport's governing bodies have announced, adding that they had contributed more than $6 million (5.3 million euros), AFP reported.

In a joint statement, the ATP and WTA tours, the International Tennis Federation and the four Grand Slam tournaments — the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open — said the Player Relief Programme will support those "who are facing unprecedented challenges due to the global impact of Covid-19".

With the tennis season suspended until at least July 13, some "800 ATP/WTA singles and doubles players" are in need of financial support, the statement continued, with eligibility for the fund determined by a player's ranking and previous prize money earnings.