French Open moved to late September and early October

A fall French Open? That will be a new reality if the coronavirus allows for tennis to be played in the second half of 2020.

The French Tennis Federation announced on Tuesday that because of the coronavirus crisis that has shut down the sports world and just about all other aspects of life around the world, the French Open will be held from Sept. 20 to Oct. 4. It had, as always, previously been scheduled for late May and early June.

“The whole world is affected by the public health crisis connected with COVID-19,” the FFT press department stated. “In order to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in organizing 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 organization 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 modernization means the tournament can be held at this time, the FFT was keen to maintain the 2020 tournament.

“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.”

Events across the ATP and WTA Tours that are still scheduled to take place during the new French Open dates are St. Petersburg, Metz, Chengdu, Zhuhai, Sofia, Guangzhou, Seoul, Tokyo, Wuhan, Tashkent, and the Laver Cup.