Despite France lockdown: Paris-Bercy should take place - but without fans
Although France is in a nationwide lockdown from Friday, the ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris-Bercy is to take place. But that again in front of empty ranks.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Oct 29, 2020, 12:45 pm
The ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris Bercy is one thing above all: A huge back and forth. As reported yesterday, plans have been made in recent days to allow 1000 spectators to enter the stadium. Plans that have now faded into the background when the French government announced it would shut down the country again from Friday in the form of a lockdown.
At least one implementation of the event, which was consequently suspended for a short time, should now be ensured. As the player Lukas Lacko published in a tweet, the ATP has turned to the players - and given them good news. "After the announcement of a second lockdown in France, the French tennis federation informed the ATP that it is currently planning to hold the tournament in front of closed gates," read the mail.
Nevertheless, a more detailed clarification with the French government is necessary in order to be able to give an official okay. "The FFT will continue to negotiate with the government to confirm as soon as possible that the game can be played behind closed doors and what the exact terms will be," the message said.
Around noon, the organizers announced that the event would actually take place, as previously announced, but that fans would not be allowed to follow the tournament on site.
Djokovic cancels, Nadal top seed
The ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris is scheduled to start with qualification on Saturday and take place in the coming week. The final is scheduled for November 8th. Rafael Nadal will go into the tournament as number one after defending champion Novak Djokovic canceled his start with a view to the Erste Bank Open and the Nitto ATP Finals.