The head of French tennis has said that he would like a full house at the French Open but conceded only the government can decide if spectators can attend the re-arranged tournament.
The claycourt Grand Slam, which would now have been into its second week under the original schedule, was pushed back by four months because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Tickets bought for the event in its May-June slot were reimbursed rather than transferred, prompting fears the tournament, now due to start on 20 September, will be played behind closed doors.
“The preferred option is to have a Roland Garros with as many spectators as possible,” French Tennis Federation president Bernard Giudicelli said in a video call with French player Gael Montfils.
“After that, depending on the health conditions, we will adapt to the directives the government gives us. The government will decide how many people can be there.”
