Madrid Open CEO: Rescheduled clay-court season still being considered

Just over two weeks ago, the FFT unilaterally announced new dates for Roland Garros, shifting it back to a start date of September 20. The sport's other governing bodies have not yet agreed on schedule adjustments in wake of the coronavirus pandemic and other events would like to be considered for a potential revised calendar.

The Madrid Masters, a combined tournament, would like to be played the week before the French Open, according to the CEO of the event.

"Yes, but we cannot simply give a date like Roland Garros," said Gerard Tsobanian, speaking to L'Equipe (translated), adding that no changes could be confirmed for a while. "Right now, you cannot establish a fixed schedule."

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If rescheduled as suggested, Madrid would fall directly after the US Open, requiring players to immediately change from hard courts to clay. The organizers of Rome have also said they are interested in this spot.

However, the abrupt switch in surface should not be a huge problem for most competitors if there is the potential to play, said Tsobanian.

"Not everyone reaches the final of the US Open," he noted. "A lot reach the first week or the beginning of the second week, which gives them time for playing Madrid on clay."

The tours are currently looking at reorganizing the schedule, according to Tsobanian, but have fewer options the longer COVID-19 concerns extend delays. All tour events through the grass-court season have been cancelled or postponed and player rankings are frozen during the period of inactivity.