Wimbledon, Ilkley Trophy and grass court season fall foul of coronavirus

The 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 28 June to 11 July 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.”

As part of the wider grass court season abandonment, the Ilkley Trophy in mid-June has also been suspended for a year.

Charlie Maunder, tournament director for the Ilkley Trophy said: “It’s obviously disappointing that we won’t be able to welcome everyone to the club for the Ilkley Trophy this summer but everyone involved understands that keeping healthy and safe is the top priority.

“The Trophy has become a real highlight of the year for the local community; for tennis fans, volunteers, the young people involved in the outreach programme and ball crew, as well as for the players themselves and the club.”

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