Sally Bolton, the new Chief Executive of the All England Club, has confirmed that next year’s Championships will definitely be played, irrespective of prevailing health situation which the current pandemic is creating.
We are working closely with the relevant government and public health authorities, alongside the rest of the sports industry, to understand the varying challenges and opportunities presented by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. AELTC Statement
“Staging The Championships in 2021 is our number one priority and we are actively engaged in scenario planning in order to deliver on that priority,” she said, alleviating concerns that Wimbledon might be cancelled again as the Government continues to try and contain the spread of Covid-19.
The tournament, which was cancelled this year for the first time since 1945, is now firmly scheduled to run next year from June 28-July 11 and will be held s normal but if necessary with reduced capacity or even behind closed door without any fans, the club statement said.
All of the options are dependent on the status of government and public health guidelines, the club said.
The U.S. Open and French Open were held this year but with strict protocols to reduce the possibility of spreading the virus. No fans were allowed at Flushing Meadows, while Roland Garros was limited to 1,000 fans per day.
“Our overriding priority will continue to be the health and safety of all of our stakeholders, in particular our guests, our staff, and our competitors,” the AELTC statement added.
“We are working closely with the relevant government and public health authorities, alongside the rest of the sports industry, to understand the varying challenges and opportunities presented by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.”
The Australian Open was held this year before the coronavirus pandemic set in and spread its tentacles around the world, and while Craig Tilley Australian Open Chief Executive maintains it will be run as normal as scheduled from Jan. 18-31, there are doubts as we draw closer to the event and the country has imposed a mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine for inbound travellers.
Further Reading
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On the day that players start arriving down under to undergo a fortnight’s quarantine before competing in the Australian Open, Andy Murray learns that his chances of joining them in Melbourne are slim following comments from the Victorian state health minister Martin...
