Wimbledon canceled for the first time since the Second World War

Apr 1 2020, 11:35 pm

The most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon, has been canceled for the first time since 1945, during World War II. It’s the first time that Wimbledon has been canceled for anything other than a global conflict since its debut in 1877.

Set to begin June 28, the All England Club decided to cancel the tournament outright rather than postpone it until later in the year as the French Open decided.

“This is a decision that we have not taken lightly, and we have done so with the highest regard for public health and the wellbeing of all those who come together to make Wimbledon happen,” said Ian Hewitt, All England Club Chairman.

“It has weighed heavily on our minds that the staging of The Championships has only been interrupted previously by World Wars but, following thorough and extensive consideration of all scenarios, we believe that it is a measure of this global crisis that it is ultimately the right decision to cancel this year’s Championships, and instead concentrate on how we can use the breadth of Wimbledon’s resources to help those in our local communities and beyond.

“Our thoughts are with all those who have been and continue to be affected by these unprecedented times.”

Like nearly every other sporting event in the world, Wimbledon has been forced to alter its plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The US Open is the next tennis Grand Slam that’s in jeopardy, as the tournament is scheduled to begin August 24 in New York.

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