![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/french_open.png\")
The French Open will move from its scheduled spring slot to September because of the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\nThe French Open will move from its scheduled spring slot to September because of the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n
The year\u2019s second tennis grand slam was due to begin on May 24 but will now run from September 20 to October 4.<\/p>\n
An FFT statement read: \u201cThe whole world is affected by the public health crisis connected with Covid-19.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn order to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in organizing the tournament, the French Tennis Federation has made the decision to hold the 2020 edition of Roland Garros from September 20 to October 4, 2020.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe containment measures in force make it impossible to prepare and therefore organize it on the dates initially planned.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn fact, to preserve the health of its employees, service providers and suppliers in a responsible manner during the preparation period, the FFT has decided to adopt the only scenario which will reconcile the organisation of the tournament in 2020 and the fight against Covid-19.\u201d<\/p>\n
A roof has been installed over Roland Garros\u2019 center court, Philippe Chatrier,
\nwith floodlights on the three other main courts, enabling play to go on later and therefore making the autumn dates possible.<\/p>\n
With regular tournaments suspended until the end of April, it was looking increasingly unlikely that the French Open would be able to be staged as planned.<\/p>\n
The news means the tournament is due to begin a week after the end of the US Open, presenting a challenge for players to reacclimatize to clay and a different time zone at short notice.<\/p>\n
It will also require a reorganization of the ATP and WTA seasons, with major women\u2019s tournaments in Tokyo and Wuhan due to take place during that fortnight.<\/p>\n
Bernard Giudicelli, the president of the FFT, said: \u201cWe have made a difficult yet brave decision in this unprecedented situation, which has evolved greatly since last weekend.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are acting responsibly, and must work together in the fight to ensure everybody\u2019s health and safety.\u201d<\/p>\n
Any tickets already purchased for the French Open will either be refunded or exchanged for the new dates.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, former Roland Garros and current Wimbledon champion Simona Halep has announced she is donating money to buy medical equipment in her home country of Romania to help manage the crisis.<\/p>\n