French tennis chief insists Roland Garros will not be a ‘downgraded’ version and is hopeful fans will attend

French tennis officials are determined to host a “full” version of Roland Garros featuring singles, doubles, juniors and wheelchair events while they are also hopeful fans will be allowed to attend.
This year’s French Open was originally due to take place from May 24-June 7, but was rescheduled to September 20-October 4 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite the many problems facing the clay-court Grand Slam, French Tennis Federation (FFT) Director-General Jean-Francois Vilotte is optimistic they will not have downscale.
“It will be an exceptional tournament,” he told AFP, saying it will be “postponed tournament” that will feature the usual singles, doubles, juniors and wheelchair events and not a “downgraded” version.
Although Roland Garros have eight floodlit courts, including Philippe Chatrier, Suzanne Lenglen and Simonne Mathieu, there won’t be any night sessions.
“The point is not to schedule matches late at night but to finish the matches started,” Vilotte said.
Another cloud hanging over the tournament is the issue of fans as France has banned all gatherings of more than 5,000 up until September.
The aim, though, remains to have spectators, even if they are limited and even if they have to adhere to new social distancing guidelines.
“In the autumn, we will play Roland Garros with an optimum spectator capacity which allows fans to respect social distancing,” he said.
He added: “The aim is that there will be spectators but we will have the capacity to organise Roland Garros whatever the option decided, including behind closed doors.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
Australian Open
Victoria Azarenka snaps back at questions over Novak Djokovic’s dad: ‘You can spin the story however you want’
Victoria Azarenka unimpressed about line of questioning.
-
Tennis News
Stefanos Tsitsipas on being within touching distance of No 1 spot: ‘I like that number. It’s all about you’
Stefanos Tsitsipas one win away from a maiden Grand Slam title and the No 1 ranking.
-
Australian Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas into first Australian Open final after overcoming wobble and Karen Khachanov
The Greek will bid for a first Grand Slam title on Sunday.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal gives fitness and comeback update following latest injury setback
Rafael Nadal to miss Dubai event while there are doubts over his participation in Sunshine Double.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s father won’t attend semi-final after flag furore – ‘I had no intention of being caught up in this’
Srdjan Djokovic stood next to a man holding a Russia flag with Vladimir Putin’s face on.
-
Live Tennis
2023 Australian Open: Follow day 12 with T365’s live scores and results centre…
This way for the action from the 2023 Australian Open.
-
Tennis News
Does Matteo Berrettini have a new love interest?
Matteo Berrettini has been spotted with former model Melissa Satta.
-
Australian Open
2023 Australian Open women’s final info, form, H2H, preview: Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka
All the info you need ahead of the 2023 Australian Open women’s final.
-
Australian Open
Elena Rybakina: Why the quiet girl is set to dominate Grand Slam tennis
Elena Rybakina could be an all-timer.
-
Tennis News
Mats Wilander expects Elena Rybakina to make ’10 Grand Slam finals’
Elena Rybakina beat Victoria Azarenka to set up a final with Aryna Sabalenka.