KEY POINTS

  • The Wimbledon has been canceled for the first time since World War II
  • The US Open reveals its tentative plan regarding the situation
  • The USTA are considering the health and safety of everyone regarding the situation

The Wimbledon Championships officially announced the cancelation of the games. It is the first time since World War II that the prestigious grass-court tournament will not be played. The staple championship games have seen numerous historic moments of the sport. All-time great Roger Federer has made his career mostly in Wimbledon and this major announcement has changed the whole landscape of the tennis tour.

This has prompted the US Open to release a statement on their tentative plan. The threat of the coronavirus has affected the sporting world so much that separate organizing bodies have made different and radical decisions. The French Open was recently postponed and not canceled in conflict with the Rod Laver Cup. The proposed new schedule also just has a week’s difference from the US Open.

With everything that is happening, the US Open announced on their official channel that they are still pushing through as of the moment. “At this time the USTA still plans to host the US Open as scheduled, and we continue to hone plans to stage the tournament,” the statement said.

The original schedule is slated to be from August 31 to the second week of September. While the tournament is still months from now, the USTA understands the necessary precautions that are needed in this unique situation. The circumstances that forced Wimbledon to stop the games stem from the rapidly changing environment.

“In all instances, all decisions made by the USTA regarding the US Open will be made with the health and well-being of our players, fans, and all others involved in the tournament.”

Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka are the tournament’s defending champions. Their game plan will adjust depending on the final decision of the organizing committee. The US Open signifies the final Grand Slam of the year, as this will give the event some time to adjust their strategy regarding the situation.

The coronavirus continues to be the priority of the world and the health and safety of everyone remain to be the main concern.

Spain's Rafael Nadal returns the ball en route to beating USA's Taylor Fritz in straight sets in the final of the Mexico Open in Acapulco
Spain's Rafael Nadal returns the ball en route to beating USA's Taylor Fritz in straight sets in the final of the Mexico Open in Acapulco AFP / PEDRO PARDO
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