The critical situation facing France and other countries in Europe due to the coronavirus pandemic shakes the entire population. The same happens with sport: the major leagues of the different disciplines made the decision to stop with the competitions. In the case of tennis, the Association of Professional Tennis Players (ATP) announced a few days ago a suspension of the men's professional circuit for the next six weeks due to the global outbreak of COVID-19.
This afternoon, the organization of the second Grand Slam of the season also confirmed the rescheduling of the tournament: Roland Garros will not be played from May 25 to June 7 as arranged. "The current containment measures have made it impossible for us to continue with the dates originally planned", quoted the initial part of the statement that made official those in charge of organizing one of the most recognized tournaments in world tennis.
"The entire world is affected by the public health crisis related to COVID-19. To guarantee the health and safety of all those involved in the organization of the tournament, the French Tennis Federation made the decision to hold the 2020 edition of Roland-Garros from September 20 to October 4, 2020 ”, confirmed the writing that published the official site of the second Grand Slam of the season, which will now change its date.
“To act responsibly and protect the health of its employees, service providers and providers during the organization period, the FFT chose the only option that will allow them to keep the 2020 edition of the tournament while we unite in the fight against COVID- 19 ”, expressed the organization.
Roland Garros suspension adds to all ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour events scheduled through the week of April 20, inclusive. In the first order, the first tournament that was canceled was the Indian Wells Masters 1000. Immediately afterwards, he was added the initiative of the Miami-Dade mayor's office. With program suspension, other significant tournaments that were canceled were the Monte Carlo Masters 1000, the ATP 500 in Barcelona and the ATP 250 in Budapest, in addition to other competitions.
“We have made a difficult but courageous decision in this UNPRECEDENTED situation, which has evolved a lot since last weekend. We are acting responsibly and we must work together in the fight to guarantee the health and safety of all ", explained Bernard Giudicelli, president of the French Tennis Federation.
In addition to reporting on the new dispute schedule, The statement notified people who have already bought tickets for the 2020 edition of the tournament that takes place in Paris, that the tickets will be refunded or changed for the new dates..
It is valid to remember that, in the 2019 version, the men's singles tournament was in the hands of Rafael Nadal, who beat Austrian Dominic Thiem in four sets to be crowned 12th opportunity at the French Grand Slam. Among women, the winner was Australian Ashleigh Barty after beating Markéta Vondroušová from the Czech Republic.
Waiting for what will happen with the rest of the season, if the current schedule of the US Open is maintained, Roland Garros will begin the week after the tournament in Flushing Meadows ends. -for the moment it will be played from August 24 to September 13-, and the same weekend that Davis Cup World Group I series will be played.