Wimbledon 2021 could be staged behind closed doors
The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club is considering "multiple options" for Wimbledon amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Wimbledon could be staged behind closed doors next year if spectators are still not allowed in due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The grass-court grand slam in south west London was cancelled this year amid the global health pandemic.
With cases in the United Kingdom rising and the English capital among the areas to be hit with tighter lockdown restrictions this week, it appears the public will not be allowed to attend sporting events for the foreseeable future.
The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC) revealed it is considering multiple operational scenarios for the 2021 event, which is scheduled to take place between June 28 to July 11.
Staging the tournament with a full capacity, a reduced amount of spectators or none whatsoever could be the outcome, depending on the status of government and public health guidelines.
AELTC chief executive Sally Bolton said: "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.
"We recognise how important the player communities are to the delivery of a COVID-secure Championships, and I am delighted to have Jamie Baker's support in his expanded role as head of professional tennis and tournament director.
"I would also like to thank the government and public health authorities for their ongoing advice which will continue to be invaluable as the Championships 2021 draws closer.
"At the same time, we are delighted to demonstrate confidence in Wimbledon with the renewal of several partnerships across our commercial programme which play a significant contribution to the successful staging of the Championships both in 2021 and in the future."