Roland Garros 2021: up to 5,000 spectators allowed during the second week of the tournament?

How many spectators will be allowed to attend the French Open 2021? Postponed by a week, from May 30 to June 13, 2021, the two-week French Internationals will be able to enjoy the return of crowds. As announced by President Macron this past Thursday, sports places will be able to receive spectators again from May 19, 2021.

Given the dates of the reopening calendar, open-air and sheltered sports facilities can reopen to spectators. At a rate of 800 people indoors, and 1,000 outdoors, and this from May 19. At the Porte d’Auteuil facility, all the different locations the competition takes place are set outdoor – excluding the central Philippe Chatrier court that can now reopen thanks to the huge and retractable roof.

Then, restrictions are to change from June 9; namely around the beginning of the tournament’s second week. From this moment on, outdoor gatherings are allowed within the limit of 5,000 people. As for the last games of the competition, namely quarters final, semi-finals, and finale, up to 5,000 people could take place in the bleachers of the Philippe Chatrier, Suzanne Lenglen, and Simonne Matthieu courts.

• To be read
• Roland Garros eSeries: the eSport tournament returns to Paris
• Roland-Garros 2023: the program that awaits you this spring in Paris
• Tips for the week of November 4 - 10, 2024 in Paris: free or inexpensive outings

A status as “test event” allowing 12,500 seats per day?

Or even more? According to information revealed by our peers from L'Équipe, the French Open tournament could be granted a derogation as for the public gauge. Thanks to an exceptional status as “test event”, the porte d'Auteuil arena could be allowed to receive up to 12,500 spectators in the bleachers. Yet, per arena, this gauge could be still limited to 5,000 spectators. In a release, organizers say they are studying the scenario “with the government”, without giving additional details.

Furthermore, restrictions raise an issue: “nighttime sessions”. The first “night sessions” aiming at making games last until late in the night. Yet, curfew is to be held from 9 p.m. up to June 9, and then postponed to 11 p.m. One thing is sure: this year, Roland Garros will return after an edition 2020 limited by the health restrictions.