JORDANNE Whiley admits the cancellation of Wimbledon is a setback for multiple reasons.

The tournament, scheduled for June 29-July 12, was scrapped for the first time since the Second World War due to coronavirus.

While the French Open at Roland Garros next month has been rescheduled for September, the grass court season cannot be moved so will now be lost.

Although the pandemic meant the organisers had little choice, it is a worry for Whiley, who won the wheelchair doubles at the Australian Open in January.

The 27-year-old, who lives in Steventon, said: “I knew they were going to do that because you can’t really move a grass season because of the weather.

“It’s upsetting really because it’s one of the best tournaments of the year.

“I’m not sure if Roland Garros or the US Open will go ahead either.

“I hope they do, but I can’t really gauge it at the moment and how it affects the rest of the year.”

The financial hit will be especially difficult for the wheelchair athletes, where the prize money is much lower.

And Whiley expects the loss of Wimbledon will make it harder for the Lawn Tennis Association to offer support.

She said: “The tournament being cancelled puts the LTA under stress financially.

“I don’t know to be honest if they are going to be in a position to help the athletes.

“I have asked them but they don’t know at the moment.

“Especially for paralympic athletes it’s worrying because we don’t earn the same

amount.

“I can’t just pack things up until January and rely on the millions in the bank.”

After winning in Melbourne, Whiley had suggested the Tokyo Paralympics could be her swansong.

Although the event has been put back until next year, it remains her intention to carry on until at least that point.

“I plan to extend it to go and play in Tokyo next year,” she said.

“Hopefully the virus will go away by the end of the year and next year it won’t be affected.”