Tennis' French Open organisers have been forced to move the competition to a new date in the Autumn, from their initial plans to have the tournament in late May and early June. 

They today announced the plans on foot of the growing spread of the coronavirus across the continent.

The Roland Garros event will now take place between September 20th and October 4th of this year.

A statement from the French Tennis Federation confirmed the decision to move the event.

⚠️The Roland-Garros tournament will be played from 20th September to 4th October 2020.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/eZhnSfAiQA

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) March 17, 2020

"The whole world is affected by the public health crisis connected with COVID-19," the statement read.

"In order to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in organising the tournament, the French Tennis Federation has made the decision to hold the 2020 edition of Roland-Garros from 20th September to 4th October 2020.

Though nobody is able to predict what the situation will be on 18th May, the current confinement measures have made it impossible for us to continue with our preparations and, as a result, we are unable to hold the tournament on the dates originally planned.

In order to act responsibly and protect the health of its employees, service providers and suppliers during the organisation period, the FFT has chosen the only option that will allow them to maintain the 2020 edition of the tournament while joining the fight against COVID-19.

At this important period in its history, and since the progress of the stadium modernisation means the tournament can be held at this time, the FFT was keen to maintain the 2020 tournament. Therefore, this year’s Roland-Garros will be held from 20th September to 4th October.

The FFT President, Bernard Giudicelli, said they had taken a "difficult yet brave decision" in an "unprecedented situation".

He continued: "We are acting responsibly, and must work together in the fight to ensure everybody’s health and safety,”