2LT National News

The French Open will allow up to 20 000 people to attend each day of this year’s tournament despite the coronavirus pandemic, organisers announced on Thursday.

“The number of spectators allowed inside the stadium will be 50 percent to 60 percent of its usual capacity, allowing us to ensure the barrier measures are respected,” the FFT said in a statement.

The US Open in New York is set to be the first Grand Slam since the coronavirus lockdown, starting on 24 August, but is to be played behind closed doors, while Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II.

Several exhibition tournaments have gone ahead since, with mixed success, including Novak Djokovic’s ill-fated Adria Tour which had to be ended early after the world number one and three other players tested positive for the virus.

“General public” tickets will be accessible to spectators around the world, without “purchase discrimination”, said FFT president Bernard Giudicelli.

Rafael Nadal will be bidding for a record-extending 13th men’s singles crown, with Australian Ashleigh Barty defending the women’s title.