French Open offers pay rise to tennis minnows

Qualifiers and first-round losers can look forward to a healthy pay rise after French Open officials on Monday confirmed plans to go ahead with the rescheduled Grand Slam from September 27.

Qualifiers are promised a healthy increase, with first-round losers in that fan-free environment at Roland Garros earning a minimum of EUR 10,000.

Main draw first-round losers will get EUR 60,000 – 30 per cent more than in 2019 – for their troubles at the clay major, which is normally played in late May-early June.

The segregated “three zone” plans around the grounds will become reality, with total spectators capped at 11,500 per day.

The Chatrier and Lenglen showcourt areas will each allow 5,000 ticket holders through the gates while the new Simonne-Mathieu court will allow 1,500..

Fans will be socially distanced in the stands of the showcourts and the side courts, with masks required at all times inside the grounds for those over age 11.

Tickets are only good for one zone, with no mingling allowed and “borders” strictly enforced within the relatively small 30-acre site.

A reduced media presence with regular virus testing and video contact only with players will be implemented; spectators will not be present for qualifying rounds.

French tennis bosses made clear that player access to the site will be limited, with competitors only allowed through the gates on the day of their matches and only in their particular zone of play.

All training days will be passed at an auxiliary facility 1.5 kms from the main stadium. Players – no exceptions allowed – will be limited to stays in one of two hotels.