The organizers of the French Open will not be spared anything this year. In addition to the corona pandemic, the prevailing conditions also cause inconsistencies, even Rafael Nadal does not hold back with criticism.
Due to the corona pandemic, this year’s French Open cannot take place at the end of 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 unrest – in all corners and ends.
On the one hand, the rising number of corona cases in France are causing concern for tournament director Guy Forget and the French tennis association. Originally, 20,000 admitted viewers were planned per day, then 11,500 and finally only 5,000. At the behest of the authorities, the next setback follows 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 hoped for by the organizers does not exist – although the facility is about the size of 15 football fields. That causes frustration. «We regret this limitation. We have worked with the authorities since the health crisis and thought 5,000 viewers would be the minimum. We cannot understand that they see things differently, ”says Bernard Giudicelli, French association president, choosing clear words.
Tense situation among the players
From the 5,000 tickets sold, a draw will now be drawn to determine which 750 fans will be allowed into the stadium, 250 tickets will be held back for sponsors, among others. “Dozens of millions went up in smoke with it,” notes Stéphane Morel from the marketing department. Still, it is better to have 1,000 fans in the stadium than none at all.
An opinion that US Open finalist Victoria Asarenka does not necessarily share. «I don’t know why we’re trying something new. Because we just had a Grand Slam where it seemed to work well. But I suspect we always have to try something new for no reason, ”the Belarusian criticizes. The situation among the players is therefore tense. “To be honest, I’m a little nervous about it. All players are a little nervous about the health situation.
The strict health protocol also causes trouble. A positive corona test leads to immediate disqualification – regardless of the background. Even players or supervisors who have already been infected have no chance of a second test. Fernando Verdasco and Damir Dzumhur feel disadvantaged in this regard and publicly criticize the organizers before the tournament begins.
Nadal on the balls: “Dangerous for elbows and shoulders”
And even the 12-time winner Rafael Nadal knows how to blame the pitiful organizers. The reason for this are the balls that will be used in Roland Garros from this year. “It’s not a real ball for clay courts, especially not when it’s damp and 9 degrees cold,” the Spaniard complains 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 most difficult I’ve ever experienced at Roland Garros,” the defending champion points out. He is definitely not unbeatable, but the combative Spaniard wants to make the best of the situation. Nevertheless, he makes it clear: “I think the organizers have to look at this for the years to come.”
