Sunderland Echo

Wimbledon cancelled due to outbreak

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Wimbledon has become the latest sporting event to be cancelled because of the coronaviru­s crisis.

The tournament was scheduled to take place at the All England Club from June 29 to July 12. The All England Club said in a statement: "It is with great regret that the AELTC has decided that The Championsh­ips 2020 will be cancelled due to public health concerns linked to the coronaviru­s epidemic. "The 134th Championsh­ips will instead be staged from 28 June to 11 July 2021.

"Uppermost in our mind has been the health and safety of all of those who come togetherto make Wimbledon happen - the public in the UK and visitors from around the world, our players, guests, members, staff, volunteers, partners, contractor­s, and local residents - as well as our broader responsibi­lity to society's efforts to tackle this global challenge to our way of life.

"Since the emergence of the corona virus outbreak, we have followed guidance from the UK Government and public health authoritie­s in relation to our year-round operations, alongside developing an understand­ing of the likely trajectory of the outbreak in the UK. With the likelihood that the Government's measures will continue for months, it is our view that we must act responsibl­y to protect the people required to prepare The Championsh­ips from being at risk - from the training of ball boys and girls to thousands of officials, line judges, stewards, players, suppliers, media and contractor­s who convene on the AELTC Grounds - and equally to consider that the people, supplies and services legally required to stage The Championsh­ips would not be available at any point this summer, thus ruling out postponeme­nt."

 ??  ?? Andy Murray celebrates a Wimbledon title.
Andy Murray celebrates a Wimbledon title.

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