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 do not rule out any option. It would be lost in guesswork to favor one as the lack of visibility is real," replied Bernard Giudicelli in an interview with the Journal du dimanche .
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All tickets purchased will be refunded
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.
Already postponed to September 20, the Grand Slam on clay could possibly be postponed by another week. "September 20 or 27, it does not change much," says Bernard Giudicelli. On Thursday, the FFT announced that all tickets already purchased for internationals from France will be refunded.
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The Federation had surprised in mid-March by unilaterally deciding to reprogram Roland-Garros in late September, drawing criticism. "We made this decision aware and responsible. And I even want to say as a good father. The tournament is the driving force behind 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 Bernard Giudicelli.
Wimbledon, which was scheduled 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).