The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Wimbledon is latest event to be cancelled
Wimbledon has become the latest sporting event to be cancelled because of the coronavirus crisis.
The Grand Slam 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 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 June 28 to July 11 2021.”
The statement added: “Uppermost in our mind has been the health and safety of all of those who come together to make Wimbledon happen.
“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.”
The US Tennis Association reacted to news of the postponement by maintaining that the US Open is still due to take place as planned.
A USTA statement read: “We understand the unique circumstances facing the All England Lawn and Tennis Club and the reasoning behind the decision to cancel the 2020 Wimbledon Championships.
“At this time the USTA still plans to host the US Open as scheduled and we continue to hone plans to stage the tournament.
“The USTA is carefully monitoring the rapidlychanging environment surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic and is preparing for all contingencies.”
Meanwhile the ATP and WTA Tours have confirmed they are extending their suspension of the current season until July 13.
The Tours had previously announced a suspension of events until June 7. In March, the French Open announced it was moving its championships from May 24 to August 31.
Eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer reacted with a single word, tweeting “devastated”.
Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray was upset the tournament was cancelled, but acknowledged there are more important issues at the moment.
The Scot said on Facebook: “Everyone’s health is definitely the most important thing.”