Wimbledon Tennis Fortnight Is Finally Cancelled
Decision is no surprise, but will be a blow to local businesses
This year’s Wimbledon tennis tournament has been cancelled for the first time since World War Two because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The tournament was due to be played between June 29 and July 12, with the cancellation predicted after Euro 2020 and the Tokyo Olympics were postponed for 12 months.
It follows the postponement of the French Open, which was due to begin in May, but has been rescheduled to September 20 - October 4.
It will be a further blow to businesses in Wimbledon Village and town centre, as tennis fortnight usually provides a significant boost to their income.
Ian Hewitt, AELTC chairman, said: “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.
"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."
April 1, 2020