PARIS: Five players have been withdrawn from the French Open qualifying tournament after two players and a coach tested positive for COVID-19, organizers have said.
The qualifiers will begin later on Monday, with the main draw set to commence on Sept. 27.
“The Roland Garros tournament directors can confirm that two players competing in the qualifying tournament have tested positive for COVID-19 and three others have confirmed close contact with a coach who has tested positive for COVID-19,” the French Tennis Federation (FFT) said in a statement.
“In line with tournament health protocols, the five players will not compete in the qualifying tournament and will self isolate for a period of seven days. In total, some 900 tests have been carried out since Sept. 17.”
Organizers did not reveal the names of those who had been pulled out but Damir Dzumhur said he had been withdrawn because his coach Petar Popović had returned a positive test.
“That’s why I can’t play at Roland Garros and I don’t have a chance to compete,” he wrote on his Instagram account.
“He didn’t get a chance to do a second test and we’re sure he was false positive because my coach has antibodies,” added the Bosnian, who reached the third round in Paris in 2015 and 2018.
The French Open will be held from Sept. 27-Oct. 11 after being moved from its usual late May-June slot.
The FFT is planning to allow 5,000 spectators per day following a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the country. It had previously said the claycourt major would permit a maximum of 11,500 fans per day.
Five players out of French Open qualifying due to COVID-19
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Five players out of French Open qualifying due to COVID-19
- The qualifiers will begin later on Monday, with the main draw set to commence on Sept. 27
Macron congratulates Mohammed Ben Sulayem on reelection as FIA’s president
- French president gives assurance of his determination to continue strengthening historic partnership
DUBAI: Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, also known as the FIA, has been congratulated on his reelection to the post by French President Emmanuel Macron, who also gave an assurance of his determination to continue strengthening the historic partnership between France and the FIA.
In a letter to Ben Sulayem, Macron said: “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on your reelection as president of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), following the vote held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Dec. 12.
“In this regard, and further to our recent meeting at the Elysee Palace alongside other representatives of the automotive world, please be assured of my determination to continue strengthening the historic partnership between France and the FIA.
“Wishing you every success in this new term of office, please accept ... the assurance of my highest regards.”
The meeting at the Elysee Palace in November highlighted shared priorities of the FIA and France across motorsport, road safety, mobility, and the protection of young people online.
France holds a unique place in the federation’s history with the FIA’s headquarters situated in Paris, and this was further highlighted during the meeting as the FIA confirmed the renewal of its commitment to France as one of its key centres of excellence.
Speaking at length, the leaders celebrated France’s pivotal role in global motorsport, from historic events such as the Paris–Rouen Trial in 1894 to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which continues to attract thousands of spectators and generates significant impact, supporting over 1,000 full-time jobs and contributing about $190 million to the French economy.
Macron and Ben Sulayem also discussed France’s representation in the FIA Formula One Championship, the French talent competing across the FIA World Championships, the contributions of French manufacturers and promoters in shaping international motorsport, and support for the facilitation of visas for global FIA delegates attending meetings in Paris.
Macron and Ben Sulayem were joined by Yann de Pontbriand — president of the Automobile Club de France, one of the FIA’s original members and the world’s first automobile club, which was founded in 1895 — and Pierre Gosselin, president of the Federation Francaise du Sport Automobile.
The parties discussed the central role clubs play alongside the FIA in promoting safe and responsible mobility and motorsport, alongside France’s historic contribution to the sectors.
Macron and Ben Sulayem exchanged views on initiatives to make mobility safer, more affordable, and more sustainable, such as the newly launched FIA Driver Safety Index, a first-of-its-kind global benchmark developed to measure and compare driver risk using cutting-edge AI technology.
Protecting young drivers and promoting respect online was another key topic. The leaders discussed the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse campaign, which aligns closely with France’s policies on social media safety for children.
