The move subsequently attracted criticism from many parties. Other tennis associations and event organizers believed that the French Open unilaterally announced to postpone the event until the end of September without consulting with them, it will affect the competition scheduled for this period of time.
Xinhua News Agency, Paris, May 10 (reporter Xiao Yazhuo) the organizing committee of the French Open event was criticized and criticized by many parties because it unilaterally announced that it would postpone the French Open this season until September. But Bernard Judy Celli, president of the French Tennis Association, did not “buy” these critical voices “. In an interview with the French media weekly on the 10th, he said he did not regret “making this decision”.
“This is a deliberate and responsible decision.” Judy Celli said, “Today, no one regrets making this decision.”
As the “leader” of the French Tennis Association, Judy Celli believes that his most important responsibility is to safeguard the interests of French tennis. During the interview, he even compared himself to a “good father”.
“French Open is the ‘engine’ of French tennis ‘. It feeds other players in our ecosystem. So at this time, our first consideration is to protect their interests.” Judy Celli said.
The French Open in 2020 was originally planned to be held from May 24 to June 7. Affected by the outbreak of the new Crown pneumonia, the French Open Competition Organizing Committee announced on March 17 that it would postpone the competition to September 20 to October 4. The move subsequently attracted criticism from many parties. Other tennis associations and event organizers believed that the French Open unilaterally announced to postpone the event until the end of September without consulting with them, it will affect the competition scheduled for this period of time.
According to the schedule arrangement of Men’s Professional Tennis Association (ATP) and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), during the period from September 20 to October 4, six ATP events including the Laval Cup and five WTA competitions will be held, of which four competitions will be held in China. The China Open and Shanghai Masters competition will be held immediately.
In other words, if the French Open is held in this period of time, the biggest impact is the Chinese season.
Shortly after the French Open announced the delay of the competition date, the Shanghai Masters competition took the lead in speaking: “Knowing the news that French Open adjusted the competition time, this will include Chengdu station, events such as the Zhuhai Railway Station and the Laval Cup have a significant impact. We will fully support all affected related events and take all reasonable measures to protect their rights and interests.”
The China Open also immediately issued a statement saying that it had not received any notice from WTA and ATP about the adjustment of the event and was currently preparing according to the original schedule.
The Organizing Committee of the Laval Cup event said in a statement that it was “shocked” by the decision of the French Open, and said that they would still hold this year’s event as planned.
But in Judy Celli’s view, the French Open has been trying hard not to influence those “important” competitions-such as Grand Slam and Masters competitions.
Recently, some French media reported that the French Open may be delayed for another week from the previous planned September 20 to stay as long as possible from the beautiful grenadine that ended on September 13.
“No matter the start of the match on September 20 or 27, the difference is not very big. I am in regular contact with Andrea gordenz (ATP chairman), Steve Simon (WTA chairman) and David Hagerty (ITF chairman of the International Tennis Federation), and we will also talk next week. But it is too early to formulate a precise events calendar.” Judy Celli said.
He also said that this year’s French Open will probably be held empty.
“There are thousands of people all over the world waiting (French Open). Holding this event in an empty field can at least guarantee the income of the broadcast of the event. This cannot be ignored.” Judy Celli said.