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The organizers of the French Open will be spared nothing this year. In addition to the corona pandemic, the prevailing conditions also cause inconsistencies, even Rafael Nadal does not stop with criticism.
Due to the corona pandemic, this year’s French Open cannot take place in late May as usual. However, canceling the tournament is not an option for the organizers. But even before it starts in Paris on Sunday, there is great discomfort, in all corners and ends.
On the one hand, the growing number of crown cases in France is worrying the tournament director, Guy Forget, and the French tennis association. Originally, 20,000 viewers admitted per day were planned, then 11,500 and finally only 5,000. At the urging of the authorities, the next setback occurs just two days before the tournament starts on Friday: the number of fans in the stadium must even be reduced to 1,000.
The special permit the organizers hoped for does not exist, although the facility is roughly the size of 15 soccer fields. That causes frustration. “We regret this limitation. We have always worked with the authorities since the health crisis and we think that 5,000 viewers would be the minimum. We cannot understand that they see it otherwise ”, says Bernard Giudicelli, president of the French association, with clear words.
Tense situation between the players
Of the 5,000 tickets sold, a draw will now be held to determine which 750 fans will be able to enter the stadium, 250 tickets will be retained for sponsors, among others. “Tens of millions disappeared with him,” says Stéphane Morel of the marketing department. Still, it’s better to have 1,000 fans in the stadium than none.
An opinion that US Open finalist Victoria Asarenka doesn’t necessarily share. I don’t know why we are trying something new. Because we just had a Grand Slam where it seemed to work well. But I suspect that we always have to try something new for no reason, ”criticizes the Belarusian. Therefore, the situation between the players is tense. “To be honest, I’m a bit nervous about it. All the players are a bit nervous about the health situation.
The strict health protocol also causes problems. A positive corona test leads to immediate disqualification, regardless of the background. Even players or supervisors who have already been infected have no chance for a second test. Fernando Verdasco and Damir Dzumhur feel at a disadvantage in this regard and publicly criticize the organizers before the tournament starts.
Nadal on the balls: “Dangerous for elbows and shoulders”
And even 12-time winner Rafael Nadal knows how to blame the sorry organizers. The reason is the balls that will be used at Roland Garros from this year. “It is not a real ball for clay, especially when it is wet and 9 degrees cold,” complains the Spaniard and adds: “The ball is super heavy and dangerous for the elbows and shoulders.” Nadal’s game also loses its impact.
“The conditions here are probably the toughest I’ve experienced at Roland Garros,” notes the defending champion. He’s definitely not unbeatable, but the combative Spaniard wants to make the most of the situation. However, he makes it clear: “I think the organizers have to look at this for the next few years.”
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