French Open pushed back until September due to coronavirus outbreak but now takes place just a week after US Open

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The French Open is the latest sporting event to be postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The clay court Grand Slam was due to start on May 26 but organisers have decided to push it back by four months.


Rafael Nadal won the French Open in 2019

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Roland Garros will now run from September 20 to October 4 – just a week after the conclusion of the US Open.

A statement from the organisers read: “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.

“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.


Ashleigh Barty won the ladies singles final at the French Open

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“In order to act responsibly and protect the health of its employees, service providers and suppliers during the organisations period, the FFT has chose 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.

“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.”

It will also mean a quick turnaround from the US Open in New York, which concludes on September 13 and seems unlikely any clay-court warm-up events could be scheduled between the two.

Wimbledon is still set to go ahead later this year but organisers are said to be monitoring the situation. The tournament is set to run from June 29 to July 12.


Source: TalkSport.com Tennis