Sports Minister Announces Good News Regarding French Open 2021 Amid COVID-19 Surge

The situation is getting too overwrought as the tennis world approaches French Open 2021. By postponing it for a week, the clay-court Grand Slam event upset the calendar of many players. Now, to compensate for the delay, Sports Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer has revealed some good news.

Earlier, the officials reasoned that the postponement would help them bring more live spectators. Now, the numbers are released, and they look more than convincing.

Read More: CONFIRMED: French Open 2021 Gets Postponed, Closes the Gap by 2 Weeks to Wimbledon

French Open 2021 venues will host 35% of their full capacity spectators

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, there are restrictions on mass gatherings. But keeping up with the protocols and working closely with the government, the Australian Open successfully hosted a live audience.

Similarly, the second Grand Slam of the year, the French Open, will allow a high number of spectators on the court. It is unquestionably a positive mark for the players.

For the first ten days, the Sports Minister has promised up to 1000 spectators on three main courts of Roland Garros. Jean-Michel Blanquer also added that the smaller venues would fit 35% of their capacity.

That’s not all because the clay season finale has even bigger plans for the crucial matches. As the French Open reaches the quarterfinals, the number of spectators allowed will rise extensively.

As per Blanquer, the Philippe Chatrier and Suzanne Lenglen courts will see 65% spectators of its capacity. However, they have a capping at 5,000.

According to Sports minister Jean-Michel Blanque, every court in Roland Garros will be allowed to be 35% full with a limit of 1000 spectators at the start of the French Open.

The limit will be raised to 65% – max. 5000 fans per court – on the 9th of June (Wednesday 2nd week).

— Nikolaus Fink (@NikolausFink) May 2, 2021

Conversely, the others smaller courts will not worry about the capping and will fill 65% of its seat. It will indefinitely give a feel of a jam-packed crowd as they maintain the safe distance protocol.

It will give a much-need boost of confidence to players who are tired of playing in empty courts. Moreover, it will also provide a deserved farewell to this year’s clay-court swing.

Read More: Madrid Open 2021 Becomes First Clay Event to Implement Electronic Line-Calling Technology

Who are the favorites for the French Slam this year?

The record 13-time champion at Roland Garros, Spain’s Rafael Nadal, will be chasing his 14th title. If he wins, he will cross Roger Federer and become the only man with 21 Grand Slam singles titles.

To challenge the Spaniard, the Serbian World No.1 Novak Djokovic will yet again try his best. The Austrian ace Dominic Thiem is also one of the most promising candidates for the French Grand Slam.

Above all, the high number of live audiences will make the tournament more lively and worthwhile. Let us see who happens to lift the French Open title this year.

Who is your favorite for the Paris Slam?

Also Read: Mutua Madrid Open 2021 Rafael Nadal v Carlos Alcaraz: Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

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