French Open to start seven days after US Open due to coronavirus postponement
The French Open has been knocked back four months due to the coronavirus pandemic
The French Open will start just seven days after the US Open ends following a dramatic reshuffle of the ATP and WTA calendars.
Tournament organisers at Roland Garros have confirmed the tournament will not go ahead as planned on 24th May and will instead run from 20th September 2020 until 4th October 2020.
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This means the French Open will be staged just seven days following the conclusion of the US Open.
A statement from tournament officials said: “The current confinement measures have made it impossible for us to continue with the dates originally planned.
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“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.”
