Wimbledon cancelled due to coronavirus: organisers
- This summer’s grand slam tournament has been called off for the first time since World War II
- ATP and WTA cancel the grass-court swing in the build-up to Wimbledon
Wimbledon chiefs on Wednesday cancelled the grand slam tournament for the first time since World War II as the coronavirus wreaks further havoc on the global sporting calendar.
The cancellation of the only grass-court grand slam tournament leaves the tennis season in disarray.
The decision also prompted the Association of Tennis Professionals and the Women’s Tennis Association to cancel the grass-court swing in the build-up to Wimbledon, meaning the tennis season will not now recommence until July 13 at the earliest.
“It is with great regret that the main board of the All England Club (AELTC) and the committee of management of the Championships have today decided that The Championships 2020 will be cancelled due to public health concerns linked to the coronavirus epidemic,” the organisers said in a statement.
All England Club chairman Ian Hewitt said the decision had not been taken lightly.