AELTC identifies 3 operational scenarios for Wimbledon 2021

LONDON: The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC), which runs the Wimbledon Grand Slam, has provided an update on the 2021 Championships. 

AELTC is considering multiple operational scenarios for next year's Wimbledon fortnight.

These scenarios fall into three broad categories: a full capacity Championships, a reduced capacity Championships, and a ‘behind closed doors’ Championships, all of which are dependent on the status of government and public health guidelines. AELTC is working closely with the relevant government and public health authorities, alongside the rest of the sports industry, to understand the varying challenges and opportunities presented by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

On the critical task of engaging with the player community and the ATP, WTA and ITF, Jamie Baker will support chief executive Sally Bolton by taking on the role of head of Professional Tennis and Tournament director. Baker, head of Tennis Relations at the AELTC since 2018 and a former British No.2, will lead on all tennis matters relating to The Championships and Qualifying on behalf of the AELTC, working closely with the chief executive and the Professional Tennis Committee, chaired by Tim Henman.

AELTC also announced the extension of its long standing and prestigious partnership with Rolex. This is further to the announcement that Sipsmith has joined the AELTC’s official partner family as the first Official Gin of The Championships and other Official Supplier partnership renewals with Jaguar, IBM, Robinsons and PIMM’S, and official gaming rights renewals with IMG Arena and Stats Perform.

Ms Bolton commented: “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.”