Paris (AFP)

The president of the French Tennis Federation (FFT) Bernard Giudicelli does not exclude that Roland-Garros, postponed to September because of the coronavirus, can take place behind closed doors.

"We don't rule out any option. It would be lost in guesswork to favor one as the lack of visibility is real," replied Mr. Giudicelli in an interview with the Journal du dimanche (JDD).

But "organizing it behind closed doors would allow part of the economic model, television rights and partnership to run. This should not be overlooked," observed the French tennis boss.

Roland-Garros has been postponed to September 20 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Grand Slam on clay could possibly be postponed for another week. "On September 20 or 27, it doesn't change much," says Giudicelli.

On Thursday, the FFT announced that all tickets already purchased for internationals from France will be refunded.

The FFT had surprised in mid-March by unilaterally deciding to reprogram Roland-Garros in late September, attracting criticism.

"We made this decision aware and responsible. And I even want to say as a good father. The tournament is the engine of tennis in France, it is what feeds the players in our ecosystem . So in these moments, we first think of them, to protect them, "argues Mr. Giudicelli.

Wimbledon, which was to be played June 29 to July 12, was canceled by its organizers. As for the US Open, it remains on schedule (August 31 to September 13).

World tennis has been stopped since the beginning of March and until at least mid-July.

© 2020 AFP