French player hits out at French Open postponement, saying ‘it’s a pretty selfish decision’
Alize Cornet has hit out at the French Tennis Federation’s (FTF) decision to postpone this year’s French Open by one week following request from the French government.
This year’s clay-court Grand Slam has been pushed back by one week and the main draw will now run from May 30 until June 13 following the latest lockdown in the country due to the coronavirus pandemic.
OFFICIAL: 2021 French Open delayed as Roland Garros gets green light from tennis governing bodies
It has had a knock-on effect on the rest of the calendar as the grass-court season has been shortened by one week, but tennis authorities are yet to confirm if any tournaments will be cancelled.
World No 59 Cornet is far from impressed with the way French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu, who feels the delay will “optimise chances to have fans” and the FTF have handled the situation.
“It stays between us but our sport minister is a disaster. Sorry,” Cornet told the Tennis Channel.
“I’m sorry, I have nothing against her but she only takes bad decisions for sport like she doesn’t care. And I know it comes from the government, I’m pretty sure.
“(It) might come also from the tournament because I heard they might have more people if they postpone for one week.
“But still, I think it’s a pretty selfish decision to be honest because the calendar is going to suffer from this postponement.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz forced to accept brutal reality as he slumps to shock Miami Open defeat
Carlos Alcaraz could have no complaints as he was forced to accept the brutal reality that he was beaten by a better player.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing against the best
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”