French Open tennis considers Paris move 23/03/2010 |
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The French Open could move out of Paris because of problems revamping Roland Garros, the tournament’s director has admitted.
Organisers have been looking to redevelop the famous venue, located on the western edge of the French capital, for several years.
But plans to build a roof-covered court to avoid rain delays have stalled – partly because of opposition from the public and environmentalists.
Tournament director Gilbert Ysern said: "Over the last 10 years, the three other grand slam tournaments [the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open] have progressed, notably in terms of infrastructure, but we haven't.
"Roland Garros cannot stay the way it is. We have two options. One is to make it bigger, the other is to move out."
Reuters reports that organisers are now considering four possible new locations in the Paris suburbs, all more than 15kms away from the capital.
"We have four very serious projects," Ysern added. "It would be heartbreaking to leave Paris but we have to consider it."
A final decision on whether the tournament will remain in Paris is expected during a general assembly of the French Tennis Federation scheduled for February next year.
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