Wimbledon ‘continuing to plan for Championships’ while monitoring coronavirus crisis

All England Lawn Tennis Club acknowledge it remains ‘a continuously evolving situation’

Wimbledon “will continue to plan for The Championships” while monitoring the escalating coronavirus epidemic, an All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) statement has confirmed.

However, the SW19 site will only remain open on a partial basis to members after Prime Minister Boris Johnson advised the public to avoid non-essential travel and unnecessary contact. The Grand Slam is scheduled to begin on 29 June, with the men’s singles final due to be completed on 12 July.

The French Open has already been postponed until September – now set to begin just a week after the conclusion of the US Open – with organisers claiming it is the “only option that will allow them to maintain the 2020 edition of the tournament”.

“The AELTC is continuing to monitor and respond to the coronavirus situation on an active basis, working closely with the government and the relevant health authorities,” the All England Club's statement read.

“Following the government’s recommendation to individuals to avoid any non-essential social gatherings and work from home where possible, the AELTC has taken the decision to close the Wimbledon Museum and Tours, Shop, and Community Sports Ground, while the All England Club and Wimbledon Park Golf Club outdoor facilities will remain open to Members on a partial basis only for the time being.

“At this time, we continue to plan for The Championships and the grass court season, and we intend to maintain the Estate with a limited team onsite, with the rest of our business operations taking place through remote working.

Richard Lewis CBE, Chief Executive of the AELTC, said: “At the heart of our decision-making is our commitment to the health and safety of our Members, staff, and the public, and we are grateful to the government and public health authorities for their advice and support. While we continue to plan for The Championships at this time, it remains a continuously evolving situation and we will act responsibly, in the best interests of wider society. We thank all of our Members, staff, players, partners, contractors and the public for their patience and trust as we continue to navigate this unprecedented global challenge.”