Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Roland Garros tournament was moved from May to September 2020. It was announced in March that the tournament would be postponed till 20th September - 4th October, a week after the US Open. However, after discussions involving the ATP, WTA and ITF, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) decided to host the event over three weeks, from 21st September to 11th October 2020.

This means that the Parisian Gland Slam has been granted an extra week of competition, allowing the qualifying tournament to be played from Monday 21st September to Friday 25th September. It will be followed by the main draw, which will take place from Sunday 27th September to Sunday 11th October. Nonetheless, this is all contingent on the conditions surrounding the COVID-19 health crisis at that time.

The FFT announced it is currently working with the French government to prepare for the tournament and set out suitable measures that will ensure the health and safety of all people present. They also stated that all options will be considered and are susceptible to change.

“We are delighted that our discussions with the various international tennis authorities have allowed us to extend the 2020 edition of the Roland-Garros tournament to three weeks. In the current, difficult climate, we are well aware that it is a privilege to be able to hold Roland-Garros in its usual format. Especially since the qualifying tournament will help to financially support a category of professional players who have been severely affected by this unprecedented crisis. The responsible decision we made on 17th March to postpone the Roland-Garros tournament – the climax of the clay season – until the autumn means that the 2020 clay season can be saved, providing the current situation continues to improve. The Roland-Garros tournament is thus fulfilling its historic role as the clay-court world championships. The tournament in autumn 2020 will be a new chapter in Roland-Garros’ ongoing history,” explained Bernard Giudicelli, President of the FFT.

[embed]https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1273262875755384832[/embed]