Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and more of the biggest stars in tennis were 'devastated' by Wimbledon's cancellation
- Wimbledon has been canceled for the first time since World War 2 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
- In response to the news, some of the best players in the world shared their sadness through social media, while also reminding fans that this was a time to stay safe.
- Roger Federer said he was "devastated" by the announcement, while Serena Williams described herself as "shooked."
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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.
Tournament officials at the All England Lawn Tennis Club have announced the cancellation of the 2020 tournament.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 1, 2020
It’s the first time since 1945, due to World War II, that Wimbledon will not be played, and the first reason other than war, that the event will not be played. pic.twitter.com/X7i4Yj8AVe
"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.
Devastated https://t.co/Fg2c1EuTQY pic.twitter.com/cm1wE2VwIp
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 1, 2020
I’m Shooked https://t.co/dS0cNcCdm0
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) April 1, 2020
— Angelique Kerber (@AngeliqueKerber) April 1, 2020
My thoughts on @Wimbledon ???? pic.twitter.com/0K7NX0Z10h
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) April 1, 2020
i’m gonna miss playing in @Wimbledon this year????. Stay safe everyone, love you guys❤️????
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) April 1, 2020
So sad to hear @Wimbledon won’t take place this year. 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 ???? pic.twitter.com/PmppwUuKtD
— 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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