DOHA (Qatar): Following the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the cancellation of Wimbledon was perhaps the biggest setback for the millions of sports lovers around the world.
It was the first time since World War II that the tennis Grand Slam was put off due to Covid-19 pandemic, which has rocked the world forcing all countries into a lock down.
The 134th Championships was scheduled between June 29 and July 12.
The historic decision to write off the world’s most famous tennis tournament due to the pandemic left eight-time champion Roger Federer “devastated” and seven-time winner Serena Williams shocked and shaken.
Huge financial loss
The All England Club had the foresight to take out extensive insurance which will protect it from the kind of huge losses potentially faced by Roland Garros.
The tournament will return next year, but the club will have deal with the financial fall-out from cancelling the 134th Championships.
French Open bosses has admitted they could face losses of £230 million ($284 million) if it is not played this year. The clay-court event has been moved to late September from its original start date in late May.
The All England Club will be able to refund ticket holders, broadcast partners and sponsors in a bill which reportedly could top £200 million.
Wimbledon’s 2018 financial figures show the Championships had an annual turnover of £254.8 million ($315.4 million).
What the stars say…
“Last year’s final will forever be one of the happiest days of my life! But we are going through something bigger than tennis and Wimbledon will be back! And it means I have even longer to look forward to defending my title,” said women’s singles defending champion Simona Halep.
“Devastated. There is no GIF for these things that I am feeling,” tweeted eight-time champion Roger Federer.
While the 2013 and 2016 champion Andy Murray added, “Very sad that…Wimbledon has been cancelled this year but with all that is going on in the world right now, everyone’s health is definitely the most important thing! Looking forward to getting back on the grass next year already! Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy”.
