The French Open has been postponed to September as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The event at Rolland Garros was due to be played from 24 May to 7 June but instead will take place between 20 September and 4 October.

That means it will begin just one week after the completion of the US Open in New York. All professional tennis across the world is currently suspended until at least 20 April. 

The French Open is usually the second grand slam of the year and the finale of the clay court part of the season.

It will now be the final major of the year, and the new dates clash with a number of other events, including the laver Cup, an annual men's event between a team from Europe and a team representing the rest of the world.

France is one of the worst affected countries in Europe after Italy and Spain. French authorities have stated that more 6,000 people have been infected with the virus and 148 have lost their lives. The decision to suspend the French Open comes after the country's football association abandoned the league and all rugby games where put on hold by French Rugby union.