The dispute between tennis’ governing bodies is showing no signs of letting up with one of the men’s tennis team tournaments saying that they are prepared to clash with the French Open later this year.
On Tuesday it was announced by the French Tennis Federation (FFT) that the grand slam has been suspended due to the ongoing Covid-19 crises. In an unexpected move that has caught many off guard, organisers have now said it will be played between 20th September – 4th October. Prompting criticism from some players on the tour.
The announcement means that the major will take place during the same time as the Laver Cup. A three-day team event co-founded by Roger Federer and overseen by Tennis Australia. The tournament is also part of the ATP calendar, but does not offer ranking points.
“This announcement came as a surprise to us and our partners – Tennis Australia, the USTA and the ATP.” The Laver Cup said in a statement.
“It raises many questions and we are assessing the situation. At this time, we want our fans, sponsors, broadcasters, staff, volunteers, players and the great city of Boston to know that we intend to hold Laver Cup 2020 as currently scheduled.”
With both events currently on a collision course, it raises the question as to if any players would be willing to boycott the French Open in order to play in the team competition. This year’s Laver Cup will be held in Boston between September 25-27. Something that may be more desirable for some due to the close proximity of the US Open, which will end a week before the French Open starts.
The USTA oversees the running of the New York major. In a statement they admitted that it is possible that their event could be suspended. There have been cases of Coronavirus in all 50 states of the country. Reacting to the move by the FFT, the American tennis body has seemingly taken a swipe at their approach to the matter.
“These are unprecedented times, though, and we are assessing all of our options, including the possibility of moving the tournament to a later date.” The USTA said in a statement.
“At a time when the world is coming together, we recognize that such a decision should not be made unilaterally, and therefore the USTA would only do so in full consultation with the other Grand Slam tournaments, the WTA and ATP, the ITF and our partners, including the Laver Cup.”
Cancelling not an option
Speaking to reporters, FTT president Bernard Giudicelli has defended their decision. Saying it would have been ‘unthinkable‘ to cancel the French Open. Confusingly Giudicelli, who is also the vice-president of the ITF, said that relevant parties were contacted. Although when quizzed what the reaction of the USTA was, he said he was unable to answer because he didn’t take part in those calls.
“We had exchanges with the ATP, the WTA, the ITF and we informed the other Grand Slam organisers,” said Giudicelli.
Elaborating further, he then shifted the blame to the tour calendars.
“I don’t think it’s the date that’s a problem, I think the problem is the calendar,” Giudicelli insisted.
“Cancelling would have meant a considerable absence of revenues for the players who have already been hit by a succession of cancellations.”
It is believed that a joint-statement will be issued by the ATP and WTA on Wednesday in regards to the new date of the French Open. As a consequence of the latest announcement, ATP Tour events in Metz, St. Petersburg, Chengdu, Sofia and Zhuhai and women’s WTA events in Guangzhou, Seoul, Tokyo and Wuhan are now all in doubt.
