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CONFIRMED: French Open 2020 Introduces Major Shrink in its Spectator Count

Published 09/25/2020, 8:56 AM EDT

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With the French Open 2020 beginning in a few days, there have been further changes to the number of spectators that will be allowed inside the Roland Garros site.

In a new statement released by the French Open, they have further decreased the spectator limit to 1,000 per day. Given the rise of COVID-19 cases in France, the government authorities have enforced certain restrictions on events.

“Following the announcements made by government authorities, 1,000 spectators will be permitted to enter the Roland-Garros grounds per day. This cap applies across all 16 courts, in the 12-hectare site, and is equivalent to one thirty-fifth of the usual number of spectators that have attended in the first week of the main draw in previous years,” the statement said.

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Initial French Open 2020 spectator count

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Initially, the French Open had planned to host 20,000 spectators each day. But that number shrunk to 11,500. It was further brought down to 5,000. Now it has shrunk to 1,000. France has again witnessed a surge in COVID-19 cases, and the government has once again enforced restrictions on public events. There were reports of the French Tennis Federation considering holding the Grand Slam behind closed doors, but as of now, that is not the case.

The ticket holders who won’t be able to attend the French Open this year will be fully reimbursed. They will also have priority access to the tickets for the 2021 French Open. This year’s French Open is a bit special as the center court of the Grand Slam, Court Philippe-Chatrier has gotten a major renovation and a retractable roof. The organizers were clearly keen to show off the new upgrade.

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Before the French Open, the tennis world saw the US Open, which was held behind closed doors. But the French Tennis Federation has been optimistic on having fans in the stadiums. However, if the COVID-19 cases continue to increase, they might be forced to take the US Open route and hold the Grand Slam behind closed doors.

When and Where to Watch French Open 2020

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Written by:

Bhavishya Mittal

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Bhavishya Mittal is a tennis author for EssentiallySports, who is currently pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Manipal University. A former sports editor for The Manipal Journal, Bhavishya has also worked for The New Indian Express. He has a keen eye for many sports but he is a particularly ardent follower of tennis, with a zest to create riveting articles on the ever-evolving sport.
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