Paris (AFP)
Wimbledon organizers are considering "all scenarios, including postponement and cancellation," due to the coronavirus pandemic, and will hold an "emergency meeting next week," they said in a statement on Wednesday evening.
"The All England Club confirms that it continues to carefully assess all scenarios for the 2020 edition of Wimbledon, postponement and cancellation including, due to the Covid-19 pandemic," writes the club organizing the London tournament, traditionally the third Grand Slam lift of the season.
"An emergency meeting of the club's executive committee is scheduled for next week, and in advance we are in close contact with the British Tennis Federation (LTA), and with ATP, WTA, the International Federation (ITF) and other Grand Slams, "he said.
"A decision will be made," said All Lewis Club general manager Richard Lewis.
Wimbledon is to be played in theory from June 29 to July 12, and "preparations begin in late April," says the text.
A week ago, Roland-Garros, initially scheduled from May 24 to June 7, announced to everyone's surprise its rescheduling in the fall, from September 20 to October 4.
The following day, ATP and WTA jointly extended the suspension of their two circuits until June 7 inclusive, the date which was to mark the end of the clay court season.
"At this stage, on the basis of the indications that we receive from public health authorities, the very thin window we have to organize Wimbledon because of our surface indicates that a postponement would not be without considerable risk and difficulty", adds the organizing club.
One thing is certain: "Playing behind closed doors has been formally excluded".
© 2020 AFP