Lockdown in France: French Open postponement also possible in 2021
After France went into a nationwide lockdown yesterday, Saturday, the question marks in connection with hosting the French Open at the end of May are also increasing. As in the previous year, the second Grand Slam of the year could be postponed.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Apr 04, 2021, 01:16 pm
The message from President Emmanuel Macron that France will enter a third national lockdown in the fight against COVID-19 at the beginning of April has deepened the worry lines on the foreheads of the organizers of the French Open in the heart of Paris. As Macron announced, the lockdown will last until mid-May, so the Grand Slam on the Bois de Bolougne could possibly be spared.
Nevertheless, high-ranking sports officials in France are already starting to evaluate alternative scenarios for the Major in the Stade Roland Garros. As the French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu announced, postponing the classic clay court could be an option, as in the previous year. A year ago, the event under the Eiffel Tower had been postponed from May to an alternative date at the end of September.
Cancellation (probably) not an option
As SkySport Maracineanu now quoted , another postponement is a perfectly realistic scenario: "We are talking to the French Tennis Federation to see whether we should change the date so that it coincides with a possible resumption of all sports and major events." Although professional sport is largely excluded from the measures that have been in effect since yesterday, consideration is advisable in terms of fighting the virus.
Maracineanu also emphasized this to SkySport: "Today, although top-level sport has been preserved, we are trying to limit the risks of clusters of the spread of the virus within professional sport." However, there is better news regarding a possible cancellation of the traditional event. As Gilles Moreton, General Director of the French Tennis Federation, emphasized at the beginning of the week, he could not imagine canceling the French Open under any circumstances.
Nadal defending champion
In the previous year, the organizers of the French Open caused negative headlines with their handling of the postponement. Almost all tournament organizers, including the ATP, unanimously criticized the selfish behavior of the men and women from Paris, who allegedly had waived any agreements before the announcement of the postponement. The French Open 2021 is scheduled to start on May 23rd.
The event last year was much more positive. With minor drawbacks, the newly installed roof on Court Philippe Chatrier worked flawlessly, and the up to 1000 spectators also created a great atmosphere on the Bois de Bolougne. And they saw a picture that has been part of the scene in the French capital for years: They saw a Rafael Nadal who triumphantly lifted the title against the sky on day 15.