Wimbledon becomes latest sporting casualty
THE All England Club announced that Wimbledon will not be staged this year for the first time since World War II, citing "public health concerns linked to the coronavirus epidemic".
Wimbledon officials confirmed there was no realistic prospect of delaying until later this year, and therefore the 134th Championships will be the ones beginning on June 28 2021.
The ATP and WTA announced they were also extending their existing suspension into July, but the US Tennis Association issued a statement saying they were still working towards staging the US Open from August 24.
Andy Murray and Roger Federer are among the top tennis stars to express sadness over the news that Wimbledon has been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus crisis.
The tournament was scheduled to take place at the All England Club but will now be missing from the sporting calendar for the first time since World War II.
Murray reacted by posting on a message on his official Facebook page, which reflected the fact that the pre-Wimbledon Fever-tree Championships at Queen's Club has also been cancelled.
Murray wrote: "Very sad that the Fever-tree Championships and Wimbledon have been cancelled this year but with all that is going on in the world right now, everyone's health is definitely the most important thing!
"Looking forward to getting back on the grass next year already! Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy #StayHomeSaveLives".
Eight-time Wimbledon men's champion Federer simply wrote "Devastated" following the news, while seven-times women's champion Serena Williams wrote: "I'm shooked (sic)".
Coco Gauff, the teenager who stunned everyone by reaching the last 16 last year, tweeted: "I'm gonna miss playing in
Wimbledon this year. Stay safe everyone, love you guys."
Statement
It is with great regret that the AELTC has today 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 together to 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 coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak in January, we have followed guidance from the UK Government and public health authorities in relation to our yearround 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 many months, it is our view that we must act responsibly to protect the large numbers of people required to prepare The Championships."