(Photo: tribune.net)

Wimbledon 2020 cancelled and organizers are looking forward to 2021

The oldest Grand Slam tennis tournament, Wimbledon, made history as they announced that the tournament is now cancelled due to concern with the coronavirus (COVID-19) for the first time since the last cancellation during World War II. The event was planned to take place in London from June 29 to July 12 and have decided to reschedule the event for June 28 to July 11, 2021.

The organizers of Wimbledon expressed that this wasn’t an easy decision to make but wants to ensure the safety of the athletes and participants going to the event. The official website announced that they will be offered a refund for their tickets and have a chance to but tickets for 2021.

The first tournament was in 1877, commencing every year since with only two exceptions: cancelling the years from 1915 to 1918 during World War I and 1940 to 1945 during World War II. Wimbledon is just one of the many international sports events that are cancelled or postponed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The French Open also postponed their event that was scheduled for May and is now planning to host the event in late September. The U.S. Open is also in talks of whether they will have to reschedule around their planned dates of August 31 to September 13, but are currently keeping these dates with anticipation of being able to still hold the event.

The biggest event in international sports has also been postponed to hold the event next year, which will give the planning committee more time to ensure the safety of the athletes and other participants.