Roland Garros moved to September as uncertainty over coronavirus outbreak continues to dominate

Michael Graham
March 17, 2020

The French Open has been rescheduled for September 20 after uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic made its original May date ‘impossible’.

Both the ATP and WTA responded to the coronavirus outbreak by cancelling 5-6 weeks of tournaments, but the French Open was initially unaffected by the cancellations.

However, with an end to the social restrictions currently enforced in France and elsewhere in the world in an attempt to contain the virus, Roland Garros chiefs have now taken matters into their own hands.

“The current confinement measures have made it impossible for us to continue with the dates originally planned,” it was announced on the tournament’s official website.

“The whole world is affected by the public health crisis connected with COVID-19.

“In order to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in organising the tournament, the French Tennis Federation has made the decision to hold the 2020 edition of Roland-Garros from 20th September to 4th October 2020.

“Though nobody is able to predict what the situation will be on 18th May, the current confinement measures have made it impossible for us to continue with our preparations and, as a result, we are unable to hold the tournament on the dates originally planned.

“In order to act responsibly and protect the health of its employees, service providers and suppliers during the organisation period, the FFT has chosen the only option that will allow them to maintain the 2020 edition of the tournament while joining the fight against COVID-19.

“At this important period in its history, and since the progress of the stadium modernisation means the tournament can be held at this time, the FFT was keen to maintain the 2020 tournament.

“Therefore, this year’s Roland-Garros will be held from 20th September to 4th October.”

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