Instead of spring, Rafael Nadal plays for the 13th title at the French Open in autumn. If this really happens. Picture: EPA / EPA
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French Open postponed – a selfish solo attempt by the French
Instead of May, the French Open due to the Corona virus should only take place in September, just a week after the US Open. Neither the tournaments, the associations nor the players were asked about it.
In his address to the nation, President Emanuel Macron did little to reassure his compatriots. First he warned not to panic before using martial rhetoric and saying that France was at war with the Corona virus and had a curfew.
Macron said: «The enemy is there and he is invisible. But we will win the war. » Macron did what everyone is doing these days: calling for solidarity. With the elderly and the sick. France has 6,000 infections and 148 deaths have been reported.
It is difficult to classify sporting decisions these days. One wonders: where is the relevance if a pandemic is spreading all over the world? And yet, even in memorable days like these, sport is what it has always been: a reflection of our society. Not a bit better, but not a bit worse either. In the grocery stores, the shelves are bought empty and disinfectants are stolen in the hospitals. Regardless of others.
Solidarity is a big word, it is hardly lived.
Profit from the crisis
Especially not in sports. Instead of canceling the European Football Championship, which should have taken place in 12 countries, anachronism anyway in times of climate change, there is a shift. And the Uefa, a non-profit association under the Swiss Civil Code and thus exempt from profit tax, apparently demands 300 million euros in damages from its 55 members. An association, of course, that in three years with a major event generates sales of three billion euros.
The organizers of the French Open are now going it alone. The tournament should have taken place from May 24th to June 7th. Given the Corona crisis, it may come as no surprise that it doesn’t.
The Court Philippe Chatrier was given a roof this year. Picture: EPA
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The tournament has long been overshadowed by the other three grand slam tournaments in Melbourne, Wimbledon and New York. The facility is smaller, growth is limited and the residents complicate the renovation. After all, you could have played under one roof this year.
Now the tournament should take place from September 20th to October 4th. Because under these conditions the preparations cannot be continued and the employees have to be protected. In a subordinate clause, one also mentioned: “And the modernization of the stadium allows the tournament to be held.” The French association praised the courage it showed with this step. And hides behind the protection of health. A solidarity of the organizers? Nothing!
Vasek Pospisil sharply criticizes the decision. Picture: EPA
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The shift is ruthless. Go it alone.
You have to know that the four Grand Slam tournaments are not part of the ATP tour, the organizers enjoy a lot of autonomy because they are the crown jewels of the tennis calendar. But in recent years the fronts have hardened, it is about an inflated calendar, the realignment of the Davis Cup and Fed Cup, the role of the Laver Cup initiated by Roger Federer, and above all: the best dates in the tight calendar. And there it gets even closer because of the corona virus.
Belinda Bencic also expresses lack of understanding.
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The decision of the organizers of the French Open apparently passed over everyone – the ATP, the international tennis association and above all: the players. Vasek Pospisil, who sits on the players’ council, says: “This is absolutely amazing.” There was no communication with the players and also with the professional organization ATP. “We have nothing more to say in this sport,” writes the Canadian. Stan Wawrinka says of the French going it alone: ”Are they allowed to do what they want?”
Stammbach: “That surprises me extremely”
Swiss Tennis President René Stammbach, who sits on the board of the ITF and is currently in self-quarantine in Switzerland, falls out of the clouds when he is confronted with Pospisil’s statements and says to this newspaper: «That surprises me extreme.”
Swiss Tennis President René Stammbach was caught by the decision of the French association. Image: KEYSTONE
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You would have gone through a few scenarios on the board two weeks ago, “but postponing the French Open was not an issue.” Stammbach speaks of a unilateral decision. “I don’t know how much sense that makes.”
The last word has not yet been spoken in this case.
