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'Appalling': Tennis world erupts over Wimbledon announcement

andrew reid
·4-min read
Seen here, Wimbledon 2019 men's champion Novak Djokovic and runner-up Roger Federer.
A capacity crowd will be allowed at Centre Court for the Wimbledon men's and women's finals in 2021. Pic: Getty

The British government's decision to allow a full crowd on Centre Court for the Wimbledon men’s and women’s finals next month has sparked a fierce debate on social media.

Wimbledon will be allowed to usher in 15,000 fans for the two deciders, a year after the tournament was canceled entirely because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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The grass-court grand slam tournament, which begins in England on June 28, can have 50% capacity at the start and that will increase to 100% by the close on July 10-11 with the women’s and men’s singles title matches.

The government’s decision to ease COVID-19 restrictions on crowds will also allow for increased attendances at football's Euro 2020 tournament and other sporting events, such as the British F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone.

“We want to gather further evidence on how we can open up all big events safely, and for good,” Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said in a statement.

“In the next few weeks this means more fans enjoying the Euros and Wimbledon, and some of our biggest cultural and sports events.”

Wimbledon’s cancellation in 2020 was the first time since World War II that the tournament hadn’t been played.

Understandably, tennis fans celebrated the news that full crowds would be welcomed back for the men's and women's finals this year.

However, not everyone was thrilled with the British government's announcement.

Critics slam Wimbledon crowd call

Many people are questioning why sporting events are being afforded exemptions when Covid-19 restrictions remain in force for other parts of Britain.

Numerous critics took to social media to voice their anger at the Wimbledon situation.

with agencies

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