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The All England Club reportedly has insurance that covers infectious diseases and Wimbledon is in the process of submitting a claim which could net them around £100 million coronavirus cancellation payment, per The Times.
Concerns over the SARS disease in 2003 prompted The All England Club to take extra measures as they asked for virus-related clause to be inserted in their insurance policy. Last week, the AELTC announced they would hold an emergency board meeting this week to discuss the future of Wimbledon and a cancelation or a postponement were real options.
This Wednesday, the worst fears became a reality as the Wimbledon officials consulted with the ATP, WTA and ITF representatives and decided to call off The Championships due to the coronavirus outbreak. The biggest and most prestigious tennis event in the world won't be held for the first time since 1945.
"It is with great regret that the Main Board of the All England Club (AELTC) and the Committee of Management of The Championships have 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," Wimbledon said in a statement released. "Uppermost in our mind has been the health and safety of all of those who come together to make Wimbledon happen – the public in the UK and visitors from around the world, our players, guests, members, staff, volunteers, partners, contractors, and local residents – as well as our broader responsibility to society’s efforts to tackle this global challenge to our way of life.