02 July 2020

French Open organisers planning for 60 per cent crowd capacity at Roland Garros in September

French Open organisers are aiming to hold the re-scheduled two-week Grand Slam with a 60 per cent capacity crowd in September.

Roland Garros was originally due to take place between May 24 and June 7 but was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Spaniard Rafa Nadal will be seeking a record-extending 13th men's singles French Open title (ABACA/PA Images)

And while some still believe September could be too early for crowds to return to major sporting events, French federation president Bernard Giudicelli insists they are still taking a precautionary approach.

Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: "We went for the responsible option.

"Should the situation evolve in the right direction, new tickets would be available in September."

The maximum number of people that will be able to sit together on the main courts will be four, with a seat required to be in between each group.

All other courts will be no more than half full.

The French Open begins on September 27, just two weeks after the conclusion of the US Open in New York.

Australian Ashleigh Barty will defend her women's singles crown in September (ABACA/PA Images)

Due to the severity of the virus in New York, no spectators will be present at the American Slam.

As of Thursday, July 2, 418,605 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the state and 32,143 have died.

Meanwhile, Wimbledon organisers took the early decision to cancel their event back in April due to the seriousness of the pandemic in the UK.

It is the first year since the Second World War that the tournament will not go ahead.

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