Andy Murray has said he’s “very sad” that Wimbledon has been cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The All England Club announced yesterday that this year’s championship has been called off, a declaration that took no one by surprise but nonetheless threw the tennis world into a deep depression.
All tennis has been suspended until at least 13 July, and with coronavirus sweeping across the United States there must be serious doubt as to whether the US Open grand slam will go ahead in September.
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Global crisis
“This is a decision that we have not taken lightly, and we have done so with the highest regard for public health and the well-being of all those who come together to make Wimbledon happen,” said Ian Hewitt, the All England Club chairman.
“It has weighed heavily on our minds that the staging of the championships has only been interrupted previously by world wars but, following thorough and extensive consideration of all scenarios, we believe that it is a measure of this global crisis that it is ultimately the right decision to cancel this year’s championships.”
According to The Times the All England Club will now channel its energy and resources into “distributing medical equipment and offering the use of its facilities to the National Health Service”.
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I’ll be back
Murray posted a brief statement on his Facebook page in response to the news from SW19.
The three-time grand slam winner said: “Very sad that the Fever-Tree Championships and Wimbledon have 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 #StayHomeSaveLives.”
Uncertain future
Whether Murray will be seen again on grass is a moot point. Plagued by injuries in recent years, the two-time Wimbledon champion hasn’t appeared in the singles tournament since 2017 and his last appearance in a major was a first-round defeat in the 2019 Australian Open.
On the plus side the shutdown of tennis will give the Scot more time to heal his battered body, but he turns 33 next month and there now must be doubt as to whether he will be seen in action again at the All England Club.
The same goes for Roger Federer, who turns 39 in August, and who has won eight of his 20 grand slams titles on grass.
The Swiss star described himself as “devastated” at the news that there will be no Wimbledon this year.
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