Top tennis stars ‘devastated’ at Wimbledon loss
MURRAY, FEDERER AND WILLIAMS SAD AT CANCELLATION
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 from June 29 to July 12, but will now be missing from the sporting calendar for the first time since World War Two.
Murray reacted by posting a message on his official Facebook page, which reflected the fact that the preWimbledon Fever-Tree Championships at Queen’s Club has also been cancelled.
Murray wrote: “Very sad that Wimbledon has 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.
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)”.
Rather than look for dates later in the year, the All England Club simply cancelled this year’s tournament in SW19.
“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,” a statement said. “The 134th Championships will instead be staged from June 28 to July 11 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 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 many months, it is our view that we must act responsibly to protect the large numbers of 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.”
Shortly after the decision was announced, the ATP and WTA Tours followed with a joint statement announcing they were extending the suspension of the current season until July 13.
“In conjunction with the cancellation of The Championships, Wimbledon, the ATP and WTA have jointly announced the continued suspension of the ATP and WTA Tours until July 13 2020, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic,” the statement said.