Roger Federer "devastated" at Wimbledon 2020 cancellation
Tennis fans are reeling from the news that Wimbledon has been cancelled for the first time since World War II.
The All England Club announced the closure of the event. It’s the first time that the tournament, which began in 1877, will not be played during peacetime.
The All England Club considered a number of alternatives, but decided that cancellation would be the best option, according to ESPN.
"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," Wimbledon said in a statement on its website.
"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."
While moving Wimbledon into late July or August this year was discussed, it was vetoed due to not enough sunlight and too much dew on the courts.
Playing the court behind closed doors with no spectators was also ruled out.
"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," the All England Club said in Wednesday's statement.
Eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer tweeted about the news, saying that he was “devastated”.
Fans comforted him saying that they too were devastated, but “public health” needed to be a priority. Federer agreed.
Last year’s women’s winner Simona Halep expressed her sadness on Twitter.
"So sad to hear Wimbledon won’t take place this year. Last year’s final will forever be one of the happiest days of my life! But we are going through something bigger than tennis and Wimbledon will be back! And it means I have even longer to look forward to defending my title!," she wrote.
So sad to hear @Wimbledon won’t take place this year. Last year’s final will forever be one of the happiest days of my life! But we are going through something bigger than tennis and Wimbledon will be back! And it means I have even longer to look forward to defending my title 🤗 pic.twitter.com/PmppwUuKtD
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) April 1, 2020
Next year’s event will be held from June 28 to July 1.