Wimbledon is likely to be canceled after this week’s emergency meeting of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, according to German tennis federation vice president Dirk Hordorff.
“There is no doubt about it,” he told Germany’s Sky.
The Club had originally not planned any moves for another month, but it announced a few days ago that it would be holding a meeting this week.
“The single most important consideration is one of public health,” said CEO Richard Lewis in a statement.
The Telegraph, citing sources, added that the AELTC is in the unusual position of having pandemic insurance, but can only collect if there is a formal government order in place. The British government has announced stricter measures in recent weeks, including non-essential business functions and banning large gatherings.
This could also be a consideration in the Club’s decision on whether to hold the event on another date, according to the Telegraph. The postponement of the Olympics, which was scheduled two weeks before the US Open, opens up another potential date for Wimbledon. However, less suitable weather and the amount of lead-up required still pose problems even if it is postponed.
The Club had confirmed that it will not play with no spectators.
A cancellation of the Grand Slam event would likely also prompt cancellation of the warm-up grass-court events on the ATP and WTA tours.
