French Open organisers on Thursday announced that up to 20,000 spectators or 60 per cent of the usual capacity will be allowed to attend the Roland Garros event which will be held in September amid the coronavirus pandemic.
French federation president Bernard Giudicelli said that on the main courts, a maximum of four people could sit together with an empty seat between groups, a Reuters report said.
About 20,000 spectators are expected during the early stages of the grand slam event, and about 10,000 on the day of the final, Giudicelli said. The numbers are subjected to change as per the French government’s rules on social distancing.
He added that wearing a protective mask would be mandatory for people on the move inside the grounds while it would only be recommended for people sitting courtside.
The French tennis federation (FFT) added that COVID-19 protocols for players and staff was still being drafted.
The 2020 French Open, which was originally scheduled to be held in May, was postponed to September 20 due to the virus outbreak. Sports activities across the globe was affected and subsequently suspended in March as COVID-19 cases surged.
The main draw at Roland Garros will now be played from September 27 with the qualifying event to be held from September 21.
Meanwhile, the US Open will be held in New York from August 31 without spectators. Guidicelli had reiterated that unlike the Flushing Meadows event, the French Open will be held in the presence of fans.
(With inputs from agencies)
