The cancellation of Wimbledon 2020, which was due to be played between the 29 June to 12 July, due to coronavirus pandemic makes it another major sporting event to be called off. Earlier, the Summer Olympic games were cancelled and are now to be stage in 2021. In tennis, recently the French Open 2020 was postponed to late September and early October.
The declaration was made on 1st April by Ian Hewitt, All England Lawn Tennis Club chairman. He stated, “This is a decision that we have not taken lightly, and we have done so with the highest regard for public health and the well being of all those who come together to make Wimbledon happen,”.
“Our thoughts are with all those who have been and continue to be affected by these unprecedented times.”
Ian Hewitt, All England Lawn Tennis Club chairman
Postponement of Wimbledon Difficult
The cancellation of Wimbledon 2020 may have forced many to think, why wasn’t the tournament postponed to late summer and autumn like the French Open 2020.
The grass court on which the tournament is played and reduced daylight in the late summer and autumn in England make it difficult. Dew sets in on the grass court in late summer and autumn making it difficult to play on it.
Canceled Only Twice In 134 Year History
The tournament, which features various categories,viz. Gentlemen’s singles and doubles, Ladies Singles and doubles, mixed doubles, legends, wheelchair along with juniors, has been played since 1877.
In a history spanning 134 years the Wimbledon Championship has witnessed two brief hiatuses, both during the two World Wars. The Championship had been held every year since, 1946.
The 134th edition of the Wimbledon Championship will now be staged from 28 June to 11 July, 2021.
Although the cramped tennis calendar shall be at ease with the cancellation of Wimbledon 2020, it is utterly disappointing to see a grand slam such as the Wimbledon to be called off. The players have reacted differently via social media on the cancellation of Wimbledon 2020. Let’s look at what the players felt.
Roger Federer Expressed Himself As, “Devastated” .
Former Wimbledon Champion in his twitter related to the cancellation of Wimbledon 2020, wrote that he was “devastated”. His message read, “There is no GIF for these things that I AM Feeling.”
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.
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) April 1, 2020
The 134th Championships will instead be staged from 28 June to 11 July 2021.https://t.co/c0QV2ymGAt
Petra Kvitova Supports The Decision.
My thoughts on @Wimbledon ? pic.twitter.com/0K7NX0Z10h
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) April 1, 2020
Defending Champion Simona Halep Shared Optimism
The defending champion Simona Halep also took to twitter to share, a rather optimistic message.
She wrote on cancellation of Wimbledon 2020, “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”
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
Angelique Kerber Feels There Are “other important things” At The Moment
The former German champion, Angelique Kerber feels there are “other important things” at the moment. She said she was heavy hearted and won’t be able to play in front her home crowd in sport unities-in good and inn bad times.
She even thanked those working 24*7 to get us through this uncertain time”
— Angelique Kerber (@AngeliqueKerber) April 1, 2020
Carla Suarez Navarro Will Miss Wimbledon
The Spanish, Carla Suarrez Navarro, who plans to retire this year took, said she will miss Wimbledon, its tradition, its history, its respect for tennis.
Will miss you, @Wimbledon. Your tradition, your history, your respect for our sport.
— Carla Suárez Navarro (@CarlaSuarezNava) April 1, 2020
Always a special place… ??? pic.twitter.com/olLFVh1ADH
Players Support Governments Fight Pandemic
Players like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Sania Mirza have also donated to their respective countries to fight the pandemic.
Even though it is tough for them too, the players are sensitive towards the prevailing global crisis.
It is beautiful to see, the world of sports uniting and coming forward by being considerate towards the tournament’s decisions.
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