French Open 2020 postponed due to coronavirus; new dates announced
French Open organisers said the tournament at Roland Garros will not be held as per the original schedule due to coronavirus (COVID-19). The tennis tournament was to start on May 24
FollowParis: French Open tennis tournament has been postponed due to coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the organisers said on Tuesday (March 17). The Grand Slam was scheduled to be held from May 24 to June 17.
Many sports events have been cancelled or postponed due to coronavirus. Now, French Open is the latest casualty. The organisers said they will hold French Open at Roland Garros from September 20 to October 4.
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In a statement, the organisers said, “The current confinement measures have made it impossible for us to continue with the dates originally planned. 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.”
It added, “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.”
The organisers said the decision to push the tournament was made keeping in mind interest of both players and fans.
“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.
“This decision was made in the interest of both the community of professional tennis players, whose 2020 season has already been compromised, and of the many fans of tennis and Roland-Garros,” the organisers explained.
“We have made a difficult yet brave decision in this UNPRECEDENTED situation, which has evolved greatly since last weekend. We are acting responsibly, and must work together in the fight to ensure everybody’s health and safety,” explained Bernard Giudicelli, president of the FFT.
On ticket refund, the organisers said, “Any tickets already purchased will either be refunded or exchanged to take into account the new dates of Roland-Garros 2020. We will give details about how to do this in a subsequent press release.”
