Denis Shapovalov lifted the Wimbledon boys' trophy when Andy Murray reclaimed the men's crown in 2016 and the Canadian will realise his childhood dream on Friday when he makes his Centre Court debut against the home favourite in the third round.

While grass has always been his favourite surface, Shapovalov has so far struggled to make any lasting impression on turf. His job has also been made difficult by a pesky pollen allergy, which flares up on the lush green courts.

But the 22-year-old showed significant improvement on his run to the semi-finals at Queen's Club before breaching the second-round barrier for the first time in four appearances at the All England Club.

"Definitely, I think it's a great moment for me. It's going to be my first time on Centre Court at Wimbledon, so it's super exciting for me, my team and my career," Shapovalov, seeded 10th, told reporters.

"With every year I've felt myself get better on this surface, and I do still think there is a lot of room to grow.

"It's definitely a match I grew up wanting - to play against Andy in the spotlight like this."

While Shapovalov has been enjoying a two-day rest after receiving a second-round walkover from Pablo Andujar, Murray could use a bit more time to recharge his batteries having spent almost 7-1/2 hours on the court during his opening two matches.

Murray was centre stage in another night of drama on Wednesday, roaring back from two sets to one down to beat Oscar Otte and admitted he felt "sharp pain" in his groin, an injury which ruled him out of the claycourt swing.

As much as he was scouting his challenger, Shapovalov could not help but cheer for the 34-year-old, who turned back the clock in front of a raucous home crowd.

"(As) a fan of Andy's, to see him back and moving so well, especially those last two sets, how he turned it around," Shapovalov said. "It felt like he was the player that he was a couple of years back. It was really exciting to see."

In another transatlantic clash on Centre Court, Briton Dan Evans is targeting a place in the second week of the tournament when he takes on American Sebastian Korda.

World number one Novak Djokovic, chasing a sixth Wimbledon title and third in a row, will make a rare appearance on Court One against unseeded American Denis Kudla.

While a mass exodus of top seeds continues in the women's draw, with six of the top 10 knocked out, second seed Aryna Sabalenka is hoping to avoid an upset against Colombian teenager Maria Camila Osorio Serrano.

Denis Shapovalov lifted the Wimbledon boys' trophy when Andy Murray reclaimed the men's crown in 2016 and the Canadian will realise his childhood dream on Friday when he makes his Centre Court debut against the home favourite in the third round.

Denis Shapovalov lifted the Wimbledon boys' trophy when Andy Murray reclaimed the men's crown in 2016 and the Canadian will realise his childhood dream on Friday when he makes his Centre Court debut against the home favourite in the third round. While grass has always been his favourite surface, Shapovalov has so far struggled to make any lasting impression on turf. His job has also been made difficult by a pesky pollen allergy, which flares up on the lush green courts. But the 22-year-old showed significant improvement on his run to the semi-finals at Queen's Club before breaching the second-round barrier for the first time in four appearances at the All England Club. "Definitely, I think it's a great moment for me. It's going to be my first time on Centre Court at Wimbledon, so it's super exciting for me, my team and my career," Shapovalov, seeded 10th, told reporters. "With every year I've felt myself get better on this surface, and I do still think there is a lot of room to grow. "It's definitely a match I grew up wanting - to play against Andy in the spotlight like this." While Shapovalov has been enjoying a two-day rest after receiving a second-round walkover from Pablo Andujar, Murray could use a bit more time to recharge his batteries having spent almost 7-1/2 hours on the court during his opening two matches. Murray was centre stage in another night of drama on Wednesday, roaring back from two sets to one down to beat Oscar Otte and admitted he felt "sharp pain" in his groin, an injury which ruled him out of the claycourt swing. As much as he was scouting his challenger, Shapovalov could not help but cheer for the 34-year-old, who turned back the clock in front of a raucous home crowd. "(As) a fan of Andy's, to see him back and moving so well, especially those last two sets, how he turned it around," Shapovalov said. "It felt like he was the player that he was a couple of years back. It was really exciting to see." In another transatlantic clash on Centre Court, Briton Dan Evans is targeting a place in the second week of the tournament when he takes on American Sebastian Korda. World number one Novak Djokovic, chasing a sixth Wimbledon title and third in a row, will make a rare appearance on Court One against unseeded American Denis Kudla. While a mass exodus of top seeds continues in the women's draw, with six of the top 10 knocked out, second seed Aryna Sabalenka is hoping to avoid an upset against Colombian teenager Maria Camila Osorio Serrano.

Wimbledon 2021: Denis Shapovalov seeks taste of Centre Court against battle-scarred idol Andy Murray

Murky skies and drizzle could not dampen the enthusiasm of spectators arriving on Monday for the start of the 134th Wimbledon Championships which were cancelled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
COVID-19 protocols mean this year`s tournament will look and feel a little different -- but one old Wimbledon tradition remained firmly intact with rain delaying the scheduled 1000GMT start on the outside courts. 
 
Fittingly for the eagerly-awaited return of the tournament, Andy Murray will resume his role as flag-bearer for the home nation with a prime time engagement later on Centre Court. 
 
Whisper it quietly, but it almost feels like old times. 
 
Not quite, though, like Wimbledon, being used as a government-approved "pilot event", will be missing some old favourites. 
 
The iconic "queue" for daily entry will not form, Henman Hill will be sparsely populated and fans will not have the thrill of bumping into famous players strolling to the grounds from plush rentals in the Village. 
 
Players will all be staying in a central London hotel to minimise the risks of COVID-19 infections. 
 
Crowds will be thinner too with attendances limited to 50% of ground capacity, although hopefully rising to full houses on Centre Court for the men`s and women`s finals on July 10-11. 
 
But after last year`s cancellation, the first since the Second World War, excitement is brewing for a fortnight of grasscourt drama, even if there are notable absentees. 
 
Spaniard Rafa Nadal, whose 2008 final win over Roger Federer is part of Wimbledon folklore, is not playing. Neither is reigning women`s champion Simona Halep nor Japan`s four-times Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. 
 
POSITIVE TEST 
 
British number one Johanna Konta withdrew on the eve of the tournament after a member of her entourage tested positive for COVID-19 -- a worrying start for nervy organisers. 
 
But a high-quality cast has assembled in the biosecure bubble and women`s top seed Ash Barty summed up what Wimbledon means. 
 
"You walk through the gates here at the All England Club and you`re instantly filled with gratitude," the Australian said. 
 
"It was a tournament that was sorely missed last year. Every time you get to walk through these gates, it`s a feeling that you can`t take for granted." 
 
For Murray, who ended a 77-year drought for British men when he won the 2013 title and triumphed again three years later, Wimbledon represents a return to some kind of normality. 
 
The former world number one has not played a singles match at the All England Club since a quarter-final defeat by Sam Querrey in 2017 -- after which his body began to fail and his career appeared to be hanging by a thread. 
 
"I know it`s not normal, but it feels somewhat normal now..., with all the players around and practising, knowing that... we`ll be playing not in front of a full crowd but in front of a lot of people," Murray said. 
 
The 34-year-old will close the schedule on Centre Court against Georgian 24th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili. 
 
Men`s defending champion Novak Djokovic is due to open proceedings on Centre Court against British teenage wildcard Jack Draper as he begins his quest for a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title. 
 
Two-time women`s champion Petra Kvitova is next up against former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens in the pick of the women`s first-round action.

Murky skies and drizzle could not dampen the enthusiasm of spectators arriving on Monday for the start of the 134th Wimbledon Championships which were cancelled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Murky skies and drizzle could not dampen the enthusiasm of spectators arriving on Monday for the start of the 134th Wimbledon Championships which were cancelled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 protocols mean this year`s tournament will look and feel a little different -- but one old Wimbledon tradition remained firmly intact with rain delaying the scheduled 1000GMT start on the outside courts. Fittingly for the eagerly-awaited return of the tournament, Andy Murray will resume his role as flag-bearer for the home nation with a prime time engagement later on Centre Court. Whisper it quietly, but it almost feels like old times. Not quite, though, like Wimbledon, being used as a government-approved "pilot event", will be missing some old favourites. The iconic "queue" for daily entry will not form, Henman Hill will be sparsely populated and fans will not have the thrill of bumping into famous players strolling to the grounds from plush rentals in the Village. Players will all be staying in a central London hotel to minimise the risks of COVID-19 infections. Crowds will be thinner too with attendances limited to 50% of ground capacity, although hopefully rising to full houses on Centre Court for the men`s and women`s finals on July 10-11. But after last year`s cancellation, the first since the Second World War, excitement is brewing for a fortnight of grasscourt drama, even if there are notable absentees. Spaniard Rafa Nadal, whose 2008 final win over Roger Federer is part of Wimbledon folklore, is not playing. Neither is reigning women`s champion Simona Halep nor Japan`s four-times Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. POSITIVE TEST British number one Johanna Konta withdrew on the eve of the tournament after a member of her entourage tested positive for COVID-19 -- a worrying start for nervy organisers. But a high-quality cast has assembled in the biosecure bubble and women`s top seed Ash Barty summed up what Wimbledon means. "You walk through the gates here at the All England Club and you`re instantly filled with gratitude," the Australian said. "It was a tournament that was sorely missed last year. Every time you get to walk through these gates, it`s a feeling that you can`t take for granted." For Murray, who ended a 77-year drought for British men when he won the 2013 title and triumphed again three years later, Wimbledon represents a return to some kind of normality. The former world number one has not played a singles match at the All England Club since a quarter-final defeat by Sam Querrey in 2017 -- after which his body began to fail and his career appeared to be hanging by a thread. "I know it`s not normal, but it feels somewhat normal now..., with all the players around and practising, knowing that... we`ll be playing not in front of a full crowd but in front of a lot of people," Murray said. The 34-year-old will close the schedule on Centre Court against Georgian 24th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili. Men`s defending champion Novak Djokovic is due to open proceedings on Centre Court against British teenage wildcard Jack Draper as he begins his quest for a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title. Two-time women`s champion Petra Kvitova is next up against former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens in the pick of the women`s first-round action.

Tennis- Just like old times as rain delays start of Wimbledon

Roger Federer on Monday said that he is “missing” Wimbledon after the iconic Grand Slam was cancelled. However, the Swiss maestro hopes to play the tournament in the year 2021. The 38-year-old had earlier announced that the will not take to the court until next year after undergoing two knee surgeries this year.

Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II due to COVID-19 pandemic and this week was supposed to be the second week of the grass-court Grand Slam, where Federer has lifted a record eight men’s singles titles.&nbsp;

Federer said that he is preparing for a 20-week physical preparation block this year as he wishes to play Wimbledon next year.

"Personally, it has been very pleasant to stay in the same place for a long time, I hadn't experienced that for more than 25 years," Federer said at the launch of the "Roger Center Court".&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovics-event-taught-us-to-be-cautious-french-open-director-311144" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic's event taught us to be cautious: French Open director</a>

"But of course I miss Wimbledon, of course, I would like to be there currently playing on Centre Court for a place in the second week.

"Clearly, one of my big goals, and that's why I do recovery work every day and work so hard, and why I'm preparing for a 20-week physical preparation block this year, is because I hope to play at Wimbledon next year."

Federer added that the COVID-19 lockdown has given him the chance to heal properly following the surgeries but said he will have to be patient in a bid to return back to the court.&nbsp;

"Combined with my operations, it was an important moment for me, (to know) if I wanted to continue," he said.

"It's very easy to say but it's a long way to come back, you have to be patient, it also was a time for reflection.

"We were in the mountains, isolated, we didn't see anyone, I didn't see my parents for almost three months, we were very serious and strict."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wion-exclusive-raninder-singh-hosting-bilateral-events-only-option-to-keep-olympic-team-sharp-310550" hreflang="en">WION Exclusive| Raninder Singh: Hosting bilateral events only option to keep Olympic team sharp</a>

The ATP and WTA Tours are set to commence in August despite many pro-tennis players having contracted the dreaded virus.

The US Open is set to be the first Grand Slam following the resumption of tennis and will be played behind closed doors in New York on August 31. However, fans will be allowed to attend the Roland Garros on September 24.

The Swiss icon will also hope to bag the Olympic singles gold for the first time at the postponed Tokyo Olympics in Japan, with the final to be played a week before his 40th birth anniversary. 
&nbsp;

Roger Federer on Monday said that he is “missing” Wimbledon after the iconic Grand Slam was cancelled. However, the Swiss maestro hopes to play the tournament in the year 2021.

Roger Federer on Monday said that he is “missing” Wimbledon after the iconic Grand Slam was cancelled. However, the Swiss maestro hopes to play the tournament in the year 2021. The 38-year-old had earlier announced that the will not take to the court until next year after undergoing two knee surgeries this year. Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II due to COVID-19 pandemic and this week was supposed to be the second week of the grass-court Grand Slam, where Federer has lifted a record eight men’s singles titles. Federer said that he is preparing for a 20-week physical preparation block this year as he wishes to play Wimbledon next year. "Personally, it has been very pleasant to stay in the same place for a long time, I hadn't experienced that for more than 25 years," Federer said at the launch of the "Roger Center Court". ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's event taught us to be cautious: French Open director "But of course I miss Wimbledon, of course, I would like to be there currently playing on Centre Court for a place in the second week. "Clearly, one of my big goals, and that's why I do recovery work every day and work so hard, and why I'm preparing for a 20-week physical preparation block this year, is because I hope to play at Wimbledon next year." Federer added that the COVID-19 lockdown has given him the chance to heal properly following the surgeries but said he will have to be patient in a bid to return back to the court. "Combined with my operations, it was an important moment for me, (to know) if I wanted to continue," he said. "It's very easy to say but it's a long way to come back, you have to be patient, it also was a time for reflection. "We were in the mountains, isolated, we didn't see anyone, I didn't see my parents for almost three months, we were very serious and strict." ALSO READ: WION Exclusive| Raninder Singh: Hosting bilateral events only option to keep Olympic team sharp The ATP and WTA Tours are set to commence in August despite many pro-tennis players having contracted the dreaded virus. The US Open is set to be the first Grand Slam following the resumption of tennis and will be played behind closed doors in New York on August 31. However, fans will be allowed to attend the Roland Garros on September 24. The Swiss icon will also hope to bag the Olympic singles gold for the first time at the postponed Tokyo Olympics in Japan, with the final to be played a week before his 40th birth anniversary.

Roger Federer 'missing' Wimbledon but aiming to be back in 2021

The organisers of Wimbledon are set to receive a mammoth insurance payout after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the iconic tennis event. As per multiple reports, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) purchased a pandemic insurance policy for 17 straight years at a cost of around $2 million per annum. Reportedly, the organisers of Wimbledon sought a pandemic clause after the SARS outbreak in the year 2003.

With the pandemic insurance policy in place, the organisers of Wimbledon will receive an estimated $141 million after the cancellation of the tournament, as per reports. Notably, Wimbledon wouldn’t have been eligible for the clause had the organisers decided to postpone it rather than cancelling the tournament.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sit-back-and-relax-at-home-kapil-dev-dismisses-shoaib-akhtars-proposal-of-india-pakistan-charity-series-to-fight-against-covid-19-291536" hreflang="en">'Sit back and relax at home' - Kapil Dev dismisses Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal of India-Pakistan charity series to fight against COVID-19</a>

The pandemic insurance policy will give Wimbledon the upper hand to control and short-term financial difficulties. As per a report, the 2020 Wimbledon was supposed to generate more than $300 million in revenue.

AFLAC CEO Richard Lewis addressed the pandemic insurance clause. “We’re fortunate to have the insurance and it helps,” Lewis told a leading British daily. “The insurers, the brokers and everybody involved have been excellent to work with so far, but there’s still a lot of work to do.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-stars-launch-playerstogether-campaign-to-support-nhs-charities-291506" hreflang="en">Premier League stars launch '#PlayersTogether' campaign to support NHS charities</a>

Earlier, the organisers had announced that The Championships 2020 stood cancelled due to public health concerns linked to COVID-19 pandemic while adding that the 134th Championships will is now scheduled to stage from June 28, 2021, to July 11, 2021.

“It is with great regret that the AELTC has today decided that The Championships 2020 will be cancelled due to public health concerns linked to the coronavirus epidemic. The 134th Championships will instead be staged from 28 June to 11 July 2021,” the official account of Wimbledon had tweeted. 
&nbsp;

The organisers of Wimbledon are set to receive a mammoth insurance payout after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the iconic tennis event. As per multiple reports, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) purchased a pandemic insurance policy for 17 straight years at a cost of around $2 million per annum.

The organisers of Wimbledon are set to receive a mammoth insurance payout after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the iconic tennis event. As per multiple reports, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) purchased a pandemic insurance policy for 17 straight years at a cost of around $2 million per annum. Reportedly, the organisers of Wimbledon sought a pandemic clause after the SARS outbreak in the year 2003. With the pandemic insurance policy in place, the organisers of Wimbledon will receive an estimated $141 million after the cancellation of the tournament, as per reports. Notably, Wimbledon wouldn’t have been eligible for the clause had the organisers decided to postpone it rather than cancelling the tournament. ALSO READ: 'Sit back and relax at home' - Kapil Dev dismisses Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal of India-Pakistan charity series to fight against COVID-19 The pandemic insurance policy will give Wimbledon the upper hand to control and short-term financial difficulties. As per a report, the 2020 Wimbledon was supposed to generate more than $300 million in revenue. AFLAC CEO Richard Lewis addressed the pandemic insurance clause. “We’re fortunate to have the insurance and it helps,” Lewis told a leading British daily. “The insurers, the brokers and everybody involved have been excellent to work with so far, but there’s still a lot of work to do.” ALSO READ: Premier League stars launch '#PlayersTogether' campaign to support NHS charities Earlier, the organisers had announced that The Championships 2020 stood cancelled due to public health concerns linked to COVID-19 pandemic while adding that the 134th Championships will is now scheduled to stage from June 28, 2021, to July 11, 2021. “It is with great regret that the AELTC has today decided that The Championships 2020 will be cancelled due to public health concerns linked to the coronavirus epidemic. The 134th Championships will instead be staged from 28 June to 11 July 2021,” the official account of Wimbledon had tweeted.

Wimbledon set to receive $141 million after paying for pandemic insurance for 17 years: Reports

Good morning! Start your day with WION's news brief!

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-records-highest-single-day-death-toll-due-to-coronavirus-at-884-289982">US records highest single-day death toll due to coronavirus at 884</a>

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The death toll due to coronavirus in the United States touched a new single-day high with 884 fatalities, according to&nbsp;Johns Hopkins University&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;live tracker.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-scare-looms-larger-as-danger-lurks-at-the-sea-289989" hreflang="en">Coronavirus scare looms larger as danger lurks at sea</a>

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When the governments all over the world have been able to stem the growth of the novel coronavirus to an extent by taking stringent measures, danger, or rather death, continues to lurk at&nbsp;sea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/swiss-tennis-ace-roger-federer-devasted-after-wimbledon-cancellation-289985" hreflang="en">Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer 'devasted' after Wimbledon cancellation</a>

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The tennis maestro was "devastated" after the news, as the 38-year-old is running out of options as his prolific career is on its last&nbsp;stages.&nbsp;

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A captain of US aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt has told authorities that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-mourns-coronavirus-victims-as-death-toll-rises-above-12000-289815">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;is spreading uncontrollably through the battleship.

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Good morning! Start your day with WION's news brief! US records highest single-day death toll due to coronavirus at 884 The death toll due to coronavirus in the United States touched a new single-day high with 884 fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 live tracker.

Good morning! Start your day with WION's news brief! US records highest single-day death toll due to coronavirus at 884 The death toll due to coronavirus in the United States touched a new single-day high with 884 fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 live tracker. Coronavirus scare looms larger as danger lurks at sea When the governments all over the world have been able to stem the growth of the novel coronavirus to an extent by taking stringent measures, danger, or rather death, continues to lurk at sea. Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer 'devasted' after Wimbledon cancellation The tennis maestro was "devastated" after the news, as the 38-year-old is running out of options as his prolific career is on its last stages. 'Sailors do not need to die': US warship captain reports coronavirus cases in Guam A captain of US aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt has told authorities that coronavirus is spreading uncontrollably through the battleship. WATCH| Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: Did homeopathy cure Prince Charles? ×

Morning News Brief: US death toll, COVID-19 scare at sea and more!

Sporting events across the globe have come to a halt as the accelerated coronavirus outbreak continues. Its new victim is the Wimbledon Championship, the tennis Grand Slam is cancelled for the first time since World War II.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-canceled-for-1st-time-since-wwii-because-of-covid-19-pandemic-289951" hreflang="en">Wimbledon canceled for 1st time since WWII because of COVID-19 pandemic</a>

Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer took to Twitter to share his feelings after learning about the cancellation of London tournament.&nbsp;

The tennis maestro was "devastated" after the news, as the 38-year-old is running out of options as his prolific career is on its later stages.&nbsp;

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Devastated <a href="https://t.co/Fg2c1EuTQY">https://t.co/Fg2c1EuTQY</a> <a href="https://t.co/cm1wE2VwIp">pic.twitter.com/cm1wE2VwIp</a>
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The All England Club announced after an emergency meeting that the event it refers to simply as The Championships is being scrapped for 2020. Wimbledon was scheduled to be played on the club's grass courts on the outskirts of London from June 29 to July 12.

Instead, the next edition of the tournament will be June 28 to July 11, 2021. The tournament was first held in 1877 and has been contested every year since, except two stretches: from 1915-18 because of World War I, and from 1940-45 because of World War II.

The world number 4 will be expected to be in the tournament next year.&nbsp; Many tennis tournaments such as the ATP tour and the French Open have been postponed.&nbsp;

Earlier, Roger Federer took to Twitter on Wednesday saying that he and his wife Mika have donated one million Swiss Francs to help the helpless families in Switzerland amid coronavirus pandemic. &nbsp;

One million Swiss Francs sums up to nearly Rs 7 crores, Federer donated this amount because "nobody should be left behind" during the crisis the world is facing

Sporting events across the globe have come to a halt as the accelerated coronavirus outbreak continues. Its new victim is the Wimbledon Championship, the tennis Grand Slam is cancelled for the first time since World War II.

Sporting events across the globe have come to a halt as the accelerated coronavirus outbreak continues. Its new victim is the Wimbledon Championship, the tennis Grand Slam is cancelled for the first time since World War II. Also read: Wimbledon canceled for 1st time since WWII because of COVID-19 pandemic Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer took to Twitter to share his feelings after learning about the cancellation of London tournament. The tennis maestro was "devastated" after the news, as the 38-year-old is running out of options as his prolific career is on its later stages. Devastated https://t.co/Fg2c1EuTQY pic.twitter.com/cm1wE2VwIp — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 1, 2020 × The All England Club announced after an emergency meeting that the event it refers to simply as The Championships is being scrapped for 2020. Wimbledon was scheduled to be played on the club's grass courts on the outskirts of London from June 29 to July 12. Instead, the next edition of the tournament will be June 28 to July 11, 2021. The tournament was first held in 1877 and has been contested every year since, except two stretches: from 1915-18 because of World War I, and from 1940-45 because of World War II. The world number 4 will be expected to be in the tournament next year. Many tennis tournaments such as the ATP tour and the French Open have been postponed. Earlier, Roger Federer took to Twitter on Wednesday saying that he and his wife Mika have donated one million Swiss Francs to help the helpless families in Switzerland amid coronavirus pandemic. One million Swiss Francs sums up to nearly Rs 7 crores, Federer donated this amount because "nobody should be left behind" during the crisis the world is facing

Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer 'devasted' after Wimbledon cancellation

Wimbledon was canceled on Wednesday because of the coronavirus pandemic, the first time since World War II that the oldest Grand Slam tennis tournament won't be played.

The All England Club announced after an emergency meeting that the event it refers to simply as The Championships is being scrapped for 2020. Wimbledon was scheduled to be played on the club's grass courts on the outskirts of London from June 29 to July 12.

Instead, the next edition of the tournament will be June 28 to July 11, 2021. The tournament was first held in 1877 and has been contested every year since, with the exception of two stretches: from 1915-18 because of World War I, and from 1940-45 because of World War II.

It now joins the growing list of sports events scrapped completely in 2020 because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

That includes the Tokyo Olympics ? which have been pushed back 12 months ?( and the NCAA men's and women's college basketball tournaments.

Wimbledon is the first major tennis championship completely wiped out this year because of the coronavirus. The start of the French Open was postponed from late May to late September.

As of now, the U.S. Open is still scheduled to be played in New York from Aug. 31 to Sept. 13.&nbsp;

Wimbledon was canceled on Wednesday because of the coronavirus pandemic, the first time since World War II that the oldest Grand Slam tennis tournament won't be played.

Wimbledon was canceled on Wednesday because of the coronavirus pandemic, the first time since World War II that the oldest Grand Slam tennis tournament won't be played. The All England Club announced after an emergency meeting that the event it refers to simply as The Championships is being scrapped for 2020. Wimbledon was scheduled to be played on the club's grass courts on the outskirts of London from June 29 to July 12. Instead, the next edition of the tournament will be June 28 to July 11, 2021. The tournament was first held in 1877 and has been contested every year since, with the exception of two stretches: from 1915-18 because of World War I, and from 1940-45 because of World War II. It now joins the growing list of sports events scrapped completely in 2020 because of the COVID-19 outbreak. That includes the Tokyo Olympics ? which have been pushed back 12 months ?( and the NCAA men's and women's college basketball tournaments. Wimbledon is the first major tennis championship completely wiped out this year because of the coronavirus. The start of the French Open was postponed from late May to late September. As of now, the U.S. Open is still scheduled to be played in New York from Aug. 31 to Sept. 13.

Wimbledon canceled for 1st time since WWII because of COVID-19 pandemic

Wimbledon looks certain to be scrapped for the first time since World War II by tournament chiefs on Wednesday as the coronavirus wreaks further havoc on the global sporting calendar.

The cancellation of the only grasscourt Grand Slam tournament at the All England Club would leave the tennis season in disarray after the French Open was controversially moved and all events cancelled until June 7.

Wimbledon, in leafy southwest London, is due to run for two weeks from June 29, with Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep set to defend their singles titles.

A decision to scrap the tournament is widely expected, with the world struggling to contain the spread of COVID-19, which has infected more than 840,000 people worldwide and killed over 40,000.

Lead-up tournaments in the short grasscourt season are also likely to be scrapped following talks on Tuesday, understood to have involved Wimbledon chiefs and the game's governing bodies.

Organisers had earlier ruled out playing the Grand Slam behind closed doors and postponing the event would also create its own problems.

Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker on Tuesday pleaded for tournament chiefs to wait longer before making a decision.

"I really hope Wimbledon will wait until the end of April for decision!" he tweeted. "The tourney is first week of July... patience is a virtue."

But former women's world number one Amelie Mauresmo, the 2006 Wimbledon champion, said the 2020 season would probably need to be scrapped.

"I think that we are going to have to draw a line under the 2020 tennis season," she tweeted.

The cancellation of Wimbledon could mean multiple champions Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Venus Williams have played at the All England Club for the final time.

Federer and Serena will be nearly 40 by the time of the 2021 championships and Venus will be 41.

Serena, beaten in last year's final by Halep, is stuck on 23 Grand Slam singles titles -- agonisingly one away from equalling Margaret Court's record.

The conditions required to play on grass in England mean a postponement is impractical and a date later in the summer or early autumn would mean much shorter evenings.

"Each week that passes, you get less and less light to play the tournament," doubles specialist Jamie Murray told the BBC.

American giant John Isner, who won the longest-ever tennis match over three days at Wimbledon in 2010, said the scrapping of the tournament would be a "tough pill to swallow".

"We may have to come to grips with the fact that we may not be playing Wimbledon this year," he told ESPN on Tuesday.

"Wimbledon sort of has to be played this (same) time of year," Isner said.

"With that surface, the event, it seems, has to be played this time and there's a good chance it won't be."

The French Tennis Federation provoked widespread anger with its unilateral decision to move the French Open from its original May 24 start date to begin on September 20.

That puts the start only one week after the planned date of the US Open men's final.

Wimbledon looks certain to be scrapped for the first time since World War II by tournament chiefs on Wednesday as the coronavirus wreaks further havoc on the global sporting calendar.

Wimbledon looks certain to be scrapped for the first time since World War II by tournament chiefs on Wednesday as the coronavirus wreaks further havoc on the global sporting calendar. The cancellation of the only grasscourt Grand Slam tournament at the All England Club would leave the tennis season in disarray after the French Open was controversially moved and all events cancelled until June 7. Wimbledon, in leafy southwest London, is due to run for two weeks from June 29, with Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep set to defend their singles titles. A decision to scrap the tournament is widely expected, with the world struggling to contain the spread of COVID-19, which has infected more than 840,000 people worldwide and killed over 40,000. Lead-up tournaments in the short grasscourt season are also likely to be scrapped following talks on Tuesday, understood to have involved Wimbledon chiefs and the game's governing bodies. Organisers had earlier ruled out playing the Grand Slam behind closed doors and postponing the event would also create its own problems. Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker on Tuesday pleaded for tournament chiefs to wait longer before making a decision. "I really hope Wimbledon will wait until the end of April for decision!" he tweeted. "The tourney is first week of July... patience is a virtue." But former women's world number one Amelie Mauresmo, the 2006 Wimbledon champion, said the 2020 season would probably need to be scrapped. "I think that we are going to have to draw a line under the 2020 tennis season," she tweeted. The cancellation of Wimbledon could mean multiple champions Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Venus Williams have played at the All England Club for the final time. Federer and Serena will be nearly 40 by the time of the 2021 championships and Venus will be 41. Serena, beaten in last year's final by Halep, is stuck on 23 Grand Slam singles titles -- agonisingly one away from equalling Margaret Court's record. The conditions required to play on grass in England mean a postponement is impractical and a date later in the summer or early autumn would mean much shorter evenings. "Each week that passes, you get less and less light to play the tournament," doubles specialist Jamie Murray told the BBC. American giant John Isner, who won the longest-ever tennis match over three days at Wimbledon in 2010, said the scrapping of the tournament would be a "tough pill to swallow". "We may have to come to grips with the fact that we may not be playing Wimbledon this year," he told ESPN on Tuesday. "Wimbledon sort of has to be played this (same) time of year," Isner said. "With that surface, the event, it seems, has to be played this time and there's a good chance it won't be." The French Tennis Federation provoked widespread anger with its unilateral decision to move the French Open from its original May 24 start date to begin on September 20. That puts the start only one week after the planned date of the US Open men's final.

Wimbledon set to be cancelled for first time since WWII

Wimbledon organisers will announce the cancellation of the grasscourt Grand Slam this week due to the coronavirus pandemic, German Tennis Federation (DTB) vice-president Dirk Hordorff has told Sky Sports.

All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) officials earlier said the June 29-July 12 event would not be played behind closed doors and postponement was not without significant risk and difficulty.

“Wimbledon has stated that they will have a board meeting next Wednesday and will make the final decision there,” Hordorff told Sky Sports Germany.

“I am also involved in the bodies of the ATP and WTA. The necessary decisions have already been made there and Wimbledon will decide to cancel next Wednesday. There is no doubt about it. This is necessary in the current situation.

“It is completely unrealistic to imagine that with the travel restrictions that we currently have an international tennis tournament where hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world would travel. That is unthinkable.”

The AELTC did not respond to a request for comment.

The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics opened up a two-week window in the tennis calendar in July/August but it is less likely that it will be feasible for Wimbledon, which has only two covered courts and cannot be held past late summer.

French Open organisers stunned the tennis world by unilaterally postponing the claycourt Grand Slam at Roland Garros from May until late September because of the pandemic.

The French Tennis Federation (FFT) came under heavy fire from tennis players around the world at the lack of communication as the new dates clashed with several other events already featuring on the calendar.

The men’s ATP Tour and the WTA, which runs women’s tournaments, require their players to participate at the four Grand Slams, but the new French Open dates are yet to feature on the calendars of either association.

“The unilateral behaviour of the organizers has been criticized by everyone and I can simply predict that the French Open will not be relocated as it was intended,” Hordorff said.

He said either the FFT would go ahead with the new dates and feel the wrath of the entire tennis world or they have the option to start working with others to draw up a plan that makes sense for everyone.

“They will be deprived of the points and they will degenerate into a chaos event,” he said.

“Even those there have understood that and they are slowly crawling back. Solidarity is the order of the day, it is a matter of being together and not going it alone, as the president of the French Tennis Association did.”

Wimbledon organisers will announce the cancellation of the grasscourt Grand Slam this week due to the coronavirus pandemic, German Tennis Federation (DTB) vice-president Dirk Hordorff has told Sky Sports.

Wimbledon organisers will announce the cancellation of the grasscourt Grand Slam this week due to the coronavirus pandemic, German Tennis Federation (DTB) vice-president Dirk Hordorff has told Sky Sports. All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) officials earlier said the June 29-July 12 event would not be played behind closed doors and postponement was not without significant risk and difficulty. “Wimbledon has stated that they will have a board meeting next Wednesday and will make the final decision there,” Hordorff told Sky Sports Germany. “I am also involved in the bodies of the ATP and WTA. The necessary decisions have already been made there and Wimbledon will decide to cancel next Wednesday. There is no doubt about it. This is necessary in the current situation. “It is completely unrealistic to imagine that with the travel restrictions that we currently have an international tennis tournament where hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world would travel. That is unthinkable.” The AELTC did not respond to a request for comment. The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics opened up a two-week window in the tennis calendar in July/August but it is less likely that it will be feasible for Wimbledon, which has only two covered courts and cannot be held past late summer. French Open organisers stunned the tennis world by unilaterally postponing the claycourt Grand Slam at Roland Garros from May until late September because of the pandemic. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) came under heavy fire from tennis players around the world at the lack of communication as the new dates clashed with several other events already featuring on the calendar. The men’s ATP Tour and the WTA, which runs women’s tournaments, require their players to participate at the four Grand Slams, but the new French Open dates are yet to feature on the calendars of either association. “The unilateral behaviour of the organizers has been criticized by everyone and I can simply predict that the French Open will not be relocated as it was intended,” Hordorff said. He said either the FFT would go ahead with the new dates and feel the wrath of the entire tennis world or they have the option to start working with others to draw up a plan that makes sense for everyone. “They will be deprived of the points and they will degenerate into a chaos event,” he said. “Even those there have understood that and they are slowly crawling back. Solidarity is the order of the day, it is a matter of being together and not going it alone, as the president of the French Tennis Association did.”

Wimbledon will be cancelled, says German tennis official - report

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