Players at the French Open "will be allowed a daily one-hour window outside their social-distancing bubble," tournament organizers said Wednesday. French Open Director Guy Forget said that players will "have the chance to get out for a jog or enjoy some fresh air during their stay in the French capital" despite coronavirus restrictions. Insisting players are "extremely aware of the danger" caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Forget said they will not "be put under surveillance." He added, "Our goal is not to put them in a necklace and attach them to their hotel or to the Roland Garros stadium."
Last year’s tournament was pushed back to September because of the pandemic, with crowds limited to 1,000 per day. This year's delay -- the start has been moved from May 23 to May 30 -- will allow organizers to "welcome more fans." If the health situation in France continues to improve, up to 5,388 spectators will be allowed every day from May 30-June 8. More fans "will be allowed to access the six distinctive areas inside the stadium," with the capacity rising to a maximum of 13,146 spectators on June 9 and 10. In total, organizers will be selling 118,611 tickets compared to 15,000 last year (AP, 5/12).
