French Open reduces capacity to 5,000 fans because of pandemic

After hoping to allow "50-60% of the usual capacity" as recently as a couple of weeks ago, the French Tennis Federation announced on Thursday that the Roland Garros site will have a reduced capacity of 5,000 spectators during the upcoming French Open because of concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic. 

In an official statement, the FFT explained: 

"The FFT will therefore assume the responsibility of organizing the tournament with a new layout. 

"It is important for the sporting, social, and economic life of the country that a major event like Roland-Garros can be put on while respecting health imperatives.

"Such will be the case for the 2020 tournament.

"The FFT is conscious of how disappointing this news will be for those who will not be able to come to the stadium due to the reduction in capacity. We would like to thank you for your understanding and your dogged support of the tournament. Roland Garros 2020 will set an example by endorsing, promoting, and defending its cherished sporting values."

Per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), the Federation initially planned for 11,500 fans per day for the men's and women's main draws that run from Sept. 27-Oct. 11.

The PGA Tour, handfuls of NFL and college football teams, and Bundesliga outfit Bayern Munich are among entities that have reversed course, in one way or another, about welcoming spectators amid the ongoing health crisis.