Could the public of Roland-Garros be deprived of its favorite tournament? The question arises from the side of the French Tennis Federation (FFT). "Organizing it behind closed doors would make it possible to turn part of the economic model, television rights and partnership. This should not be overlooked," said Bernard Giudicelli in an interview with the Journal du dimanche (JDD).

The FFT therefore does not rule out any option to maintain the tournament in 2020 without taking any risk in the face of the Covid-19 epidemic. 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," he said.

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 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.

The Wimbledon tournament, 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.

With AFP

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