This year’s delayed French Open is set place slightly later than originally planned, according to a leading newspaper in the country.
Le Parisien has reported that the French Tennis Federation (FFT) has agreed to delay the grand slam by another week following talks with both the ATP and WTA. The clay-court major had been planned to take place between May 18th – June 7th before the sport grounded to a halt because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Organisers have now reportedly adjusted the dates for a second time to between September 27th and October 11th.
The reason for the latest change is due to its close proximity to the US Open, which will conclude on September 13th if it goes ahead. The extra week will provide players with more time to adjust to the clay. Furthermore, it will also allow a qualification tournament to take place prior to the start of the main draw.
Despite the change in dates, there are still questions about if either of the two remaining grand slams will be able to take place in 2020. Part of the US Open venue has been transformed into a temporary hospital to treat COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, In Paris, the country is set to begin lifting their Lockdown on May 11th. Although restaurants, bars and cafes will not be opened right away.
Former world No.1 Andy Murray has said he would play at Roland Garros if the event took place, however the Brit admits he has his doubts. Pointing out the complexity of hosting a tournament featuring players from all around the world.
“If you took the French Open, let’s say things in Europe have improved, but there are certain countries that might still have issues,” Murray told CNN.
“Let’s say it was still an issue in South America, for example, and France was not allowing flights in from South America or certain countries.
“And you then have a tournament basically where people or players from a certain continent or countries are not allowed to come in to compete. I think the tournament loses.”
Another to cast his doubts on the event going ahead is former champion Yannick Noah. The last French man to win the tournament back in 1983. Speaking with RMC, Noah said he believes the 2020 edition is ‘dead.’
“It’s going to be difficult, in my opinion. It’s very hard for tournaments,” he said following a discussion with tournament director Guy Forget.
“For Roland-Garros, losing a year economically is really a disaster.”
The last time the French Open didn’t take place was more than 70 years ago during the Second World War.
