Wimbledon 2020 Postponed Over Coronavirus Pandemic

The organizers of the prestigious tennis tournament, Wimbledon, has announced the cancelation of the event over the global outbreak of the Covid-19 virus. This is the first time since the second world war that the Championships will be called off. 

Wimbledon was meant to hold on June 29 through 12 July but after a meeting held by the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), a decision was reached for the event to be postponed to next year. The body claimed the change in the date was taken as a measure to prevent the spread of the virus during the event. 

The 2020 season which kicked off with the Australian Open has been interrupted by the outbreak and has forced the cancelation of Roland Garros, India Wells, and Miami Open. They have all blamed their decision on the coronavirus outbreak. 

Announcing the cancelation of Wimbledon, the AELTC said in the statement released, "The Championships 2020 will be cancelled due to public health concerns linked to the coronavirus epidemic."

In effect, the tournament which Novak Djokovic won last year to be the defending champion has now been pushed back by a calendar year and it is now scheduled to hold on 28 June through 11 July. 

"This a decision that we have not taken lightly, we have done so with the highest regard for the public health," said the body's chairman, Ian Hewitt. "Our thoughts are with those who have been and continue to be affected by these unprecedented times."