For the first time since World War II, Wimbledon will not be played this summer.
The announcement comes as many sporting events around the world, from the Olympics to the Masters, have already canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
—ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 1, 2020
"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," Ian Hewitt, the AELTC chairman, said in a statement.
"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, and instead concentrate on how we can use the breadth of Wimbledon's resources to help those in our local communities and beyond."
On Twitter, some of the biggest stars of the sport shared their regret with the announcement. While there was a clear disappointment they would not be able to compete at the most storied tournament in tennis this year, many athletes also shared reminders that what was happening around the world was bigger than sports.
—Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 1, 2020
—Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) April 1, 2020
—Angelique Kerber (@AngeliqueKerber) April 1, 2020
—Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) April 1, 2020
—Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) April 1, 2020
—Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) April 1, 2020
While Wimbledon is now officially canceled, the U.S. Open and French Open are still in limbo this year, with both tournaments still hoping to be played later in the year if possible.
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