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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Jon Doel

Wimbledon cancelled for first time since World War II

Wimbledon 2020 has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon.

A statement read: "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.

"The 134th Championships will instead be staged from 28 June to 11 July 2021."

Tennis chiefs pulled the plug after it was deemed impossible to move the tournament to later in the year or play it without spectators.

Wimbledon was scheduled for June 29 to July 12 this year, and due to the lack of daylight it's not feasible for the tournament to be played later in the year.

Matches at Wimbledon often run late into the evening on each day of the tournament. Only Centre Court and No 1 Court have a roof to enable indoor matches in case of bad weather and light.

It's the latest sporting event to be axed after the Olympics and Euro 2020 were postponed until next year.

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