(CNN) This year's Wimbledon tennis championships have been canceled by organizers because of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

The grass-court grand slam was due to begin on June 29 but a decision was made to scrap the event for the first time since World War II.

The number of confirmed cases has continued to rise in the UK with its government implementing lockdown measures on the entire country

So sad to hear won't take place this year. Last year's final will forever be one of the happiest days of my life! But we are going through something bigger than tennis and Wimbledon will be back! And it means I have even longer to look forward to defending my title 🤗 pic.twitter.com/PmppwUuKtD — Simona Halep () April 1, 2020

Tournament organizer the All England Club (AELTC) held an emergency meeting Wednesday to discuss possible options before making its announcement.

"This is a decision that we have not taken lightly, and we have done so with the highest regard for public health and the well being of all those who come together to make Wimbledon happen," said AELTC chairman Ian Hewitt.

Source: CNN

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