[mkdf_dropcaps type=”normal” color=”#f55549″ background_color=””]T[/mkdf_dropcaps]he French Tennis Federation (FFT) has announced the French Open tennis competition will allow 60% of its usual capacity when the event begins on September 27.

FFT president, Bernard Giudicelli, confirmed the main courts at the Roland Garros will allow a maximum group of four people to sit together with an empty seat between groups, allowing 20,000 spectators to attend the early stages of the two-week tournament and 10,000 for the finals.

“We went for the responsible option,” Giudicelli said.

“Should the situation evolve in the right direction, new tickets would be available in September,” he said, also adding people on the move inside the grounds will be required to wear a face mask, and would only be recommended for people sitting courtside.

Giudicelli also said if the French government decides to impose stricter social distancing laws, the event organisers will hold a draw to decide which tickets will be cancelled, and the number of spectators allowed into venues could change at any time.

This announcement comes as the FFT prepares for the French Open, which was postponed from its usual May-June date to September due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with plans to release COVID-19 protocols that will be in place for all players and staff at the event.