Wimbledon, the oldest Grand Slam tennis tournament, has been canceled due to concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This marks the first cancellation since World War II. The event was supposed to be held in London from June 29 to July 12 but has been rescheduled to June 28 to July 11, 2021.
The organizers of Wimbledon stated that while it was a difficult decision, it was made to prioritize the safety of the athletes and attendees. Ticket holders have been offered refunds and the opportunity to purchase tickets for next year’s event.
Since its inception in 1877, Wimbledon has been held annually except for interruptions during World War I (1915-1918) and World War II (1940-1945). The tournament’s cancellation is part of a trend of international sports events being either canceled or postponed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The French Open, originally scheduled for May, has been postponed to late September. The U.S. Open, set for August 31 to September 13, is currently maintaining its dates but is evaluating whether a rescheduling will be necessary.
