A capacity crowd conclusion to Wimbledon has now been announced and Global Sporting Risks, the rising player in the sports risks and insurance marketplace, will be watching events closely over the next few weeks as its ambassador, 24-year-old British Tennis Star Katie Boulter, focusses on Wimbledon after re-joining the Grand Slam circuit in January. It was an absence from the tour for almost two years for Katie, due initially to injury, then compounded by the delayed return of the international professional tours due to the pandemic.

Underpinned by the pedigree of its parent (established Lloyds of London broker CKRe) Global Sporting Risks has linked-up with Katie to support her quest to regain her Top 100 Ranking after a back injury stalled her meteoric rise towards the Top 50 two years ago.

The Australian Open in January marked Katie’s return to Grand Slams and was followed up by two key victories for GB in the Billie Jean Cup against Mexico. Her focus has always been Wimbledon and before then she is warming up with the grass court events in Nottingham and Eastbourne. With lockdown still impacting things this means life in a player bubble with regular testing to add to the intense training schedule. Katie is just relishing the challenge, particularly after her injury issues.

Katie comments: “Tennis is my life, so naturally I want to be on court and I want to be competing. The last couple of years have been difficult, but I think this period away from competition has made me stronger and more resilient. In short, a better person and a better player. Global Sporting Risks understands my journey and where I want to get to in my career, their support will be crucial in helping me to achieve these aims”

The disruption to sporting events globally created by the pandemic is well understood, and tennis has been particularly high profile in its attempts to get events up and running. The risks are high, but so are the stakes. Former player and GB Davis Cup Chair Richard Walmsley heads up Global Sporting Risks and believes that the pandemic has brought a new level of focus upon the risks associated with all facets of international sporting events, from athletes, to sponsors, to broadcasters, to rights holders. In this equation the return of fans to live events is one welcome development and Wimbledon announced today that it will now be welcoming 50% of maximum attendances initially on June 28 th but working up to 100% for the Finals over the weekend of 10 th /11 th July as part of Government fan pilot scheme. The 15,000 capacity Centre Court finals will actually be the first full capacity UK outdoor events.

“There has never been a greater need for creative risk and insurance solutions to support all facets of professional sport. We are delighted to be partnering with Katie Boulter to highlight these issues says Martin Wright, CEO of CKRe. Walmsley adds “Katie is a professional athlete who can testify first-hand to having a career and income suddenly stalled by unforeseen circumstances when on course for Top 50, probably higher. It’s great to see that she is now able to pick up her racket, once again compete with the very best, and go again. It’s a good match and we are delighted to be helping her. Good luck Katie!”

For further information please contact: Global Sporting Risks: Richard Walmsley 07791 317532

Global Sporting Risks is a trading style of CKRe Limited and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority