Roland Garros confirms ‘up to 60%’ capacity for French Open, Covid-19 protocols for players being finalised
The 2020 French Open won’t be a behind-closed doors event with Roland Garros confirming that spectators will be allowed to fill up to 60 per cent of stadiums.
This year’s clay-court Grand Slam was moved from its original May 24-June 7 slot to September 27-October 11 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
With the United States Tennis Association opting to host the US Open without spectators, many believed the French Tennis Federation (FFT) could follow suit.
However, the FFT has adopted a different approach as Covid-19 has started to flatten across Europe.
“The number of spectators allowed inside the stadium will be 50% to 60% of its usual capacity, allowing us to ensure the barrier measures are respected,” a statement said.
On the main courts, a maximum of four people will be able to sit together with an empty seat between groups while on the other courts one seat out of two will be empty.
Up to 20,000 people are likely to attend the French Open during the early stages with about 10,000 fans expected on the day of the finals.
Masks will also be mandatory for people who are inside the grounds while it will only be recommended for those in the vicinity of the stadium.
“We went for the responsible option,” FFT president Bernard Giudicelli said.
He added: “Should the situation evolve in the right direction, new tickets would be available in September.”
The French Tennis Federation also confirmed that specific hygiene protocol for players and their entourage are still being drafted and will be released in due course.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Dominant Iga Swiatek practically assured of big feat ahead of Roland Garros
This way for your post-Indian Wells WTA Rankings.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray makes retirement uncertainty confession as he also opens up about one of his toughest losses
“I would want to be there by right,” says Andy Murray.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic 7.997 years at No 1, Carlos Alcaraz holds off Jannik Sinner, Luca Nardi +27
This way for your latest ATP Rankings.
-
Tennis Videos
WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz on THAT point against Daniil Medvedev – ‘Something happened to my feet’
“Points like this one give me extra motivation to put a smile on my face.”
-
WTA Tour
‘Pretty proud’ Iga Swiatek opens up about ‘being the target of many players’
“It was pretty crazy. I’m pretty proud of the way I adapted to all these challenges that I had to face.”
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz makes brutally honest injury confession after sparkling Indian Wells win
Carlos Alcaraz opened up on the problem after he got his hands on the Indian Wells title once again.
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz eyeing up Novak Djokovic’s world No 1 spot after stunning Indian Wells win
Alcaraz may have to be patient for his chance to become world No 1 once again.