Wimbledon make unexpected announcement about new venue away from the UK
Wimbledon have made an unexpected announcement about a new venue away from the United Kingdom.
The tournament is bringing its iconic grass-court experience across the Atlantic with a temporary venue set to open in the heart of New York City later this month.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club has revealed plans to construct a pop-up court at Central Park's Wollman Rink, situated in central Manhattan.
This installation will welcome visitors from June 26 to 29, coinciding with the start of The Championships at SW19.
The announcement marks the fifth consecutive year that Wimbledon has brought its distinctive tennis atmosphere to American shores.
Visitors will have the opportunity to step onto the grass court themselves and experience the distinctive playing surface that defines The Championships.
Those wishing to participate in playing sessions must enter the ballot before the deadline on June 10.
Usama Al-Qassab, Marketing and Commercial Director at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, said: "We are delighted to bring Wimbledon to the US for a fifth successive year, giving New York's devoted tennis fans a flavour of Wimbledon."
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The main tournament at SW19 runs from June 29 through to the final on July 12.
Wimbledon will be without Carlos Alcaraz, who pulled out of this summer's Wimbledon Championships and the Queen's Club tournament as he continues his rehabilitation from a persistent wrist injury.
The Spanish star, who has lifted the SW19 trophy twice, announced he would not compete via social media.
The 23-year-old had been battling the problem since competing at the Barcelona Open earlier this year.
His withdrawal means the grass court season will proceed without one of its most decorated recent champions, with Alcaraz unable to mount a defence of his position among the sport's elite at the All England Club.
Alcaraz had to skip the French Open due to the same wrist complaint.
The Spaniard had originally hoped to return to competitive action on grass at Queen's before heading to Wimbledon shortly after.
However, his rehabilitation has not progressed at the pace medical staff had anticipated, forcing him to abandon those plans entirely.
The setback denied Alcaraz the chance to claim a third Wimbledon crown in just four years, having established himself as the dominant force on the famous grass courts in recent seasons.
Writing on Instagram, Alcaraz expressed cautious optimism about his condition whilst acknowledging he remains unfit for tournament play.
"My recovery is going well, and I'm feeling much better, but unfortunately, I'm still not ready to compete, which is why I have to withdraw from the grass court swing at Queen's and Wimbledon," he stated.
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