French Open in need of government permission to allow fan attendance

The French Open's plans to have crowds at the rescheduled event will be affected by the French government's extension this week of limits on public gatherings.

A prohibition on groups of more than 5,000 people will now run through October, with the tournament starting just before the beginning of the month.

The French Prime Minister, citing "deteriorating" conditions and rising cases, announced the extension. Numbers have been going up most rapidly in Paris, where the French Open is played.

Getty Images

But local authorities have been given the leeway to provide exceptions "if strict safety measures" are followed, so the tournament could still apply for permission to have spectators.

Tickets went on sale a month ago, with plans to have half-capacity of around 20,000 fans during most of the fortnight, and 10,000 for the finals.

The Paris marathon and half-marathon, rescheduled a month following the French Open, have been cancelled.

The French Open also plans to have all regular draws, including singles, doubles, mixed, juniors and wheelchair competitions.