UPDATE: Only 1,000 fans permitted to attend Roland Garros each day

UPDATE: On Friday morning, Roland Garros announced that only 1,000 fans would be able to attend the tournament each day.

Roland Garros officials are seeking an exemption from local authorities that would allow them to still have 5,000 fans each day despite new government restrictions.

The French government has now limited public gatherings to 1,000 people in Paris, part of renewed steps aimed at controlling the coronavirus pandemic.

The event, which had originally aimed to have 20,000 fans, or 60 percent of capacity, had reduced this to 11,500 across three sections of the grounds, then to 5,000 fans in line with previous limits.

"Today, we are at 5,000 people, which is very little in a 12 hectare site, which represents 15 football fields," tournament director Guy Forget told BFMTV.

"In terms of safety protocols, we meet all the criteria, we have been constantly speaking with authorities."

Corinne Dubreuil / FFT

The former No. 4 said the grounds were "secure" for a crowd of this size and should be allowed. The tournament is allocating seating in its largest stadium, Court Philippe Chatrier.

"Today, it is more risky to go to a supermarket, to an amphitheater and to take the metro," he said. "We hope we will be able to welcome fans to the French sporting event with the most international reach, by any measure."

There are also concerns that the 1,000-person limit could also affect the running of the tournament, with more than that many expected to be competing or working each day.

Some city officials have publicly backed the event. An official decision is scheduled within the next two days.

Six players have tested positive and been withdrawn from the qualifying event. No spectators are being permitted during qualifying.