Roland Garros the most realistic to go ahead
THE French Open is the likelier of the two remaining Grand Slams to be played this year, although the US Open has not yet been written off entirely.
The date for Roland Garros has been officially switched to a start of September 20 — and the French Tennis Federation is keen to see it go ahead in some form.
Its lack of pandemic insurance, compared to Wimbledon, has been highlighted, although sources in France point out that its abandonment might not be quite the calamity that is painted by many in the country. From next year, its income should rise sharply due to a new roof on Court Philippe Chatrier leading to night play, higher ticket sales and TV rights, making up for the one-off blow of a 2020 cancellation.
In a radio interview yesterday, tournament director Guy Forget expressed optimism that the French Open would happen ‘some time around the end of September and beginning of October’.