Jamie Murray planning British event to fill Wimbledon's cancellation

The cancellation of Wimbledon, Queen's Club, Eastbourne and the rest of the grass-court events has left a huge hole in the British sporting scene, but there are plans to fill some of the gaps.

Jamie Murray, who had been organizing doubles events to follow Wimbledon, is now also looking at a British men's singles tournament that could be played during the two weeks of the Championships.

According to the *Times*, there would be an eight-player field in two round robin groups, played on hard courts with no spectators. Safety protocols would be followed, but the event also would require current restrictions on movement and activities to have been lifted by the British government.

The field of British players could include Andy Murray, Dan Evans and Kyle Edmund.

The BBC, which broadcasts Wimbledon, is also planning alternative programming. It will have a daily show from the All England Club, featuring its usual lead presenter, Sue Barker, and various guests, filmed on the grounds if regulations allow it.

"We intend to fill the fortnight," said Barker, in an interview with the Daily Mail.

Wimbledon's insurance policy includes cancellation for a pandemic and could allow the tournament to recover up to $114 million, covering a large portion of its costs.

The national singles championship is among a number of competitions being planned during cancelled or postponed tour events.