“Devastated”. That was Roger Federer’s one-word tweet when hearing the news that this year’s Wimbledon Championships had been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Swiss maestro has won 20 grand slams in his illustrious career, including eight on grass at SW19. Federer lost an epic men’s singles final against Novak Djkovic on Centre Court last year.
With no championships this summer, players will have to wait until 2021 to return to the grass grand slam. Next year’s event will be held from 28 June to 11 July.
In a statement the All England Club’s chairman Ian Hewitt 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.”
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Halep: Wimbledon will be back
Simona Halep enjoyed the highlight of her career winning last year’s women’s singles title on Centre Court.
The Romanian is sad not to get the chance to defend her crown, but understands why the decision has been made.
She said 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.”
American teenage star Coco Gauff stunned the tennis world when she reached the last 16 last year. She was beaten by eventual winner Halep.
In a tweet 16-year-old Gauff said: “I’m gonna miss playing in Wimbledon this year. Stay safe everyone, love you guys.”
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