Coronavirus: French Open postponed until September

Paris Grand Slam now takes starts a week after the US Open ends in New York City

The French Open has been postponed as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, organisers said on Tuesday.

The tennis tournament – one of four majors, alongside Wimbledon, the US Open and the Australian Open - was due to take place in Paris, France between 24 May and 7 June.

It will now be held between 20 September and 4 October, starting just one week after the US Open ends in New York City.

“Though nobody is able to predict what the situation will be on 18 May, the current confinement measures have made it impossible for us to continue with our preparations,” read a statement released on Tuesday.

“As a result, we are unable to hold the tournament on the dates originally planned.

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“In order to act responsibly and protect the health of its employees, service providers and suppliers during the organisation period, the FFT has chosen the only option that will allow them to maintain the 2020 edition of the tournament while joining the fight against COVID-19.”

The Paris Grand Slam will clash with the WTA’s Wuhan Open, which takes place in the city where the Covid-19 outbreak originated.

The ATP tour was suspended for six weeks earlier in March, resulting in the cancellation of the Miami Open and Monte Carlo Masters. Indian Wells had already been cancelled due to the virus outbreak.

Meanwhile, Fed Cup fixtures in numerous countries were postponed as a result of the spread of the disease.