Paris: A decision by the FFT on Tuesday (17th March) to delay the French Open from May to September due to the threat of coronavirus was met with some confusion by other stakeholders in the game.
It was announced that the tournament would now start on 20th September, becoming the fourth and final Major of the season, just a week after the conclusion of the US Open in New York.
In addition, it is now set to clash with the exhibition tournament the Laver Cup which is championed by Roger Federer and 12-time Roland Garros champion, Rafael Nadal.
French Open was originally scheduled to be held from May 18 to June 7, however the organisers tweeted on Tuesday that it will be held from September 20 to October 4.
"The Roland Garros tournament will be played from 20th September to 4th October 2020," they tweeted.
"Though nobody is able to predict what the situation will be on 18th May, the current confinement measures have made it impossible for us to continue with our preparations and, as a result, we are unable to hold the tournament on the dates originally planned," the French Open organisers said in a statement.
"In order to act responsibly and protect the health of its employees, service providers and suppliers during the organisation period, the FFT has chosen the only option that will allow them to maintain the 2020 edition of the tournament while joining the fight against COVID-19."
"We have made a difficult yet brave decision in this UNPRECEDENTED situation, which has evolved greatly since last weekend. We are acting responsibly, and must work together in the fight to ensure everybody's health and safety," French Tennis Federation president Bernard Giudicelli said.
