This venue of year’s French Open will be divided into three separate sections as part of a plan created to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The French Tennis Federation said in an online press conference on Monday that they are hoping to hold a total capacity of 20,000 across the areas daily. Due to its size of 30 acres, the two premier stadiums of Roland Garros will each have their own site that can hold a maximum capacity of 5000 people. Furthermore, Court Simonne Mathieu and its surrounding area will hold up to 1500. The tally equates to between 50% and 60% of Roland Garros’ total capacity. Those attending are not allowed to switch between zones.
“Since the international circuit restarted, Roland Garros will be the first tournament with the privilege of hosting an audience,” FFT president Bernard Giudicelli said.
The decision to allow fans comes three days after France reported a record 8695 new daily cases of COVID-19. An increase of more than 1000 compared to its previous record that was recorded back in March. All fans over the age of 11 attending the French Open this year will be required to wear a mask at all times.
Unlike the ongoing US Open, the tournament will have a qualifying tournament taking place the week prior. Although it will be held behind closed doors in order ‘to make it easier for players ro move around the stadium.’ Players participating are required to stay at one of the two tournament hotels with there being no possibility of private housing provided. Furthermore, on non-match days they will not be allowed access to the stadium court’s and can only train at the Jean-Bouin centre.
Outlining the COVID-19 process, tournament director Guy Forget says players will be tested upon arrival and will be allowed to play as long as their result is negative. They will then undergo another test 72 hours later before having it routinely done every five days as long as they remain in the draw.
As for the prize money pool, it will shrink by 4.66 million euros to 38 million compared to 2019. Although the amount available in the qualifying draw has been increased by 27% and those who lose in the first round will take home 60,000 euros, which is 30% more than 12 months ago. The cut in pay involves those who reach the later stages of the tournament.
“We will have less revenue, but we wanted to maintain a high prize-money “, Giudicelli commented.
French media reports that the turnover of the event will be roughly half compare to their usual figures of between 260 and 280 million euros.
The French Open will start on September 21st with qualifying followed by the main draw a week later. Forget has confirmed that 2019 champions Ash Barty and Rafael Nadal have committed to play.
