French Open ‘delayed a week’

The French Open is set to be moved back week because of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis in France.

French sports magazine L’Equipe says the news will be announced by Roland Garros officials today in Paris.

France entered a third nationwide lockdown on Saturday to contain the covid spread.

The new start date of May 30 will mean the tournament will have three weeks to prepare once France emerges from lockdown on May 9.

The tournament’s main draw has been set to take place from May23 to June 6, but according to the report, the Paris Grand Slam will now take place from May 30 to June 13.

The move will limit the time between the end of the clay season and the grass court showpiece at Wimbledon to just two weeks, which could have an impact of warmup events like the Queens tournament in London.

French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu said on Saturday it was possible the event could be postponed.

“We are in discussion with them (the French Tennis Federation, which organises the event) to see if we should change the date to coincide with a possible resumption of all sports and major events,” Ms Maracineanu told France Info radio.

Both the ATP and the WTA were quick to respond to the news.

“Tennis has required an agile approach to the calendar over the past 12 months in order to manage the challenges of the pandemic, and this continues to be the case,” they said in a statement.

“The decision to delay the start of Roland-Garros by one week has been made in the context of recently heightened COVID-19 restrictions in France, with the additional time improving the likelihood of enhanced conditions and ability to welcome fans at the event. 

“Both the ATP and WTA are working in consultation with all parties impacted by the postponement to optimise the calendar for players, tournaments, and fans, in the lead up to and following Roland-Garros.”

Meanwhile, Roland Garros officials are on a collision course with the WTA after introducing male only evening sessions this year.

The introduction of a retractable roof to the Philippe-Chatrier court has meant organisers can extend the schedule into the evening.