This summer’s Wimbledon has been cancelled due to coronavirus, the All England Club has confirmed.
Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, founded in 1877. Only the two World Wars have prevented it from being held.
One of the most important events in the annual tennis calendar, and of course SW19’s calendar, the Championships was due to be held for two weeks from 29th June to 12th June 2020.
On Wednesday, emergency talks were held by the Committee of Management at the All England Club, which runs the tournament. A statement from the main board said the decision was made “due to public health concerns linked to the coronavirus epidemic”.
It said the health and safety of all those who make Wimbledon happen has been “uppermost in our mind” and its “broader responsibility to society’s efforts to tackle this global challenge to our way of life”.
Postponing the Champions was ruled out, the board said, because preparations for Wimbledon start in April, with ball boys and girls beginning training and thousands of officials, line judges, stewards, players, suppliers, media and contractors coming to the grounds in southwest London.
The 134th Championships will instead be staged from 28th June to 11th June 2021.
Like the rest of the world, Wimbledon residents will be spending the summer supporting local people and businesses get back on their feet.
Written By: Eyes of Lady Wimbledon | Editor
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