France, April 8 -- French tennis chiefs on Thursday pushed back the start of the 2021 French Open by a week as part of a plan to ensure the maximum number of fans at the venue, while observing government health guidelines to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The second of the circuit's most prestigious Grand Slam events was scheduled to start on 23 May.

But with France struggling under a third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers face the prospect of the action unfolding in front of sparsely populatedstands for a second consecutive year.

Instead, the qualifying rounds for the tournament will be held from 24 Mayat the Roland Garros stadium on the western fringes of Paris. The first round of the main draw will start on...