Needless to say, Roland Garros’s decision to change their date to September and October has generated a lot of…
Players react to Roland Garros suspension
Roland Garros has moved its tournament to September/October (Photo: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports/Sipa USA)
Needless to say, Roland Garros’s decision to change their date to September and October has generated a lot of discussion on social media – and most of it is negative…
As was the case for the Indian Wells cancellation announcement, the majority of players found out via social media that Roland Garros had made the decision to move their dates to September 20-October 4, with the tournament now set to begin just one week after the U.S. Open.
The U.S. Open released their own statement later on Tuesday, saying there was a possibility they might move their own tournament depending on the status of coronavirus in September and as a result of Roland Garros changing their dates – but they also seemingly couldn’t resist a little dig at their Grand Slam counterparts…
An update on the 2020 US Open. pic.twitter.com/YfhnsKdvBD
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) March 17, 2020
Many players were outspoken over the French Open’s decision, none more so than player council member Vasek Pospisil, who had this to say in a tweet that’s since been deleted.
“This is madness. Major announcement by Roland Garros changing the dates to one week after the US Open. No communication with the players or the ATP.. we have ZERO say in this sport.”
Pospisil then tweeted the following:
This is such a difficult time. Everyone is being impacted by this catastrophe. Enhancing communication & working together to find solutions should be the priority. Not going Rogue & making selfish/arrogant decisions to further impact the tour in a negative way. #RolandGarros
— Vasek Pospisil (@VasekPospisil) March 17, 2020
Other players, including Naomi Osaka and Diego Schwartzman, didn’t need more than a couple of words to express their disbelief.
excusez moi??? https://t.co/kb5wi27dRc
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) March 17, 2020
Una vez más… nos enteramos por Twitter. ?♂️?♂️ @atptour https://t.co/owFqHTXDu3
— diego schwartzman (@dieschwartzman) March 17, 2020
“Once again we found out on Twitter,” is the English translation for Schwartzman’s tweet.
Journalist Jon Wertheim also revealed he’d spoken to a top male player who said Roland Garros basically gave players no choice in the matter.
Just spoke to a top ATP pro: "[French Open] asked for forgiveness, not permission. Because they knew they wouldn't get permission. But I'm not sure they'll get forgiveness either."
— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) March 17, 2020
Take a look at other player reactions below:
F*ck it lets just play the last 3 slams back to back to back
— Tennys Sandgren (@TennysSandgren) March 17, 2020
Despite these being unprecedented times you would think it would promote more communication. You telling me there isn’t a more perfect time to get all players involved. Not like we are doing anything right now! https://t.co/NSCEViDZCW
— Noah Rubin (@Noahrubin33) March 17, 2020
Yet another bombshell with no consultation or warning. Expecting serious backlash on this one…. https://t.co/uUtxlWfmzs
— Mitchell Krueger (@mitch_krueger) March 17, 2020
Strong Move by French Open/FFT to move to end of Sept. I thought the powers that be in tennis were supposed to be all about working together these days? ?
— Jamie Murray (@jamie_murray) March 17, 2020
What???Again finding out through twitter… https://t.co/PtrINFoR6k
— Sorana Cirstea (@sorana_cirstea) March 17, 2020
Sympa de l'apprendre sur Twitter ?
— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) March 17, 2020
Everything is fine. pic.twitter.com/VenGwYSqLw
— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) March 17, 2020
Dear, Roland Garros, while I’m happy the French tennis federation is taking precautionary steps to ensure the tournament will be held eventually, I’d appreciate a heads up to players before a twitter announcement. #alittlerespect https://t.co/NhQ4PGPnUa
— Alla Kudryavtseva (@AllaK11) March 17, 2020
In tough times like these communication and working together are as important as ever.
— Robin Haase (@robin_haase) March 17, 2020
French Open moving to September! 1 weeks after Us Open… Will have to be ready to adjust surface quick? Glad I’m on twitter to see tournament schedules and updates. Been searching my junk mail for days?
— Jonny O'Mara (@Jonny_OMara) March 17, 2020
The ATP Tour is currently suspended due to coronavirus until at least April 27, while the WTA has cancelled all tournaments until May 2 at the earliest.
However, with Europe the new epicentre of the virus, it’s more than likely that the suspension will last weeks, if not months, longer than the current bans.
