BSP-16 Wimbledon set to return in 2021 even without fans

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Wimbledon set to return in 2021 even without fans

LONDON, Oct 16, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Wimbledon is set to go ahead next year
even if the Grand Slam tournament has to be staged behind closed doors,
organisers announced on Friday.

The grass-court championships were cancelled this year for the first time
since World War II because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The tennis season has been badly disrupted by Covid-19 but the US Open
went ahead behind closed doors and the French Open took place in front of
only 1,000 fans a day after its starting date was moved from May to late
September.

The All England Club is planning for several scenarios in 2021 — a full-
capacity Wimbledon, reduced numbers of fans or holding the tournament with no
spectators present.

“Staging the championships in 2021 is our number-one priority and we are
actively engaged in scenario-planning in order to deliver on that priority,”
said chief executive Sally Bolton.

Wimbledon’s statement read: “Our overriding priority will continue to be
the health and safety of all of our stakeholders, in particular our guests,
our staff, and our competitors.

“We are working closely with the relevant government and public health
authorities, alongside the rest of the sports industry, to understand the
varying challenges and opportunities presented by the ongoing coronavirus
pandemic.”

The 134th championships will be staged from June 28 to July 11, 2021.

Wimbledon has been working closely with local communities during the
pandemic and will continue to provide 200 hot meals a day to people in need
until Christmas.

More than œ750,000 ($970,000) has been donated to charities and
organisations, while 30,000 of the famous Wimbledon towels that were intended
to be used for the 2020 tournament have been given away.

BSS/AFP/BZC/1830HRS