French Open postponed until September due to COVID-19

The French Open has been rescheduled for September due to the coronavirus pandemic, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) announced Tuesday.

The Grand Slam was originally slated to begin in May.

"This decision was made in the interest of both the community of professional tennis players, whose 2020 season has already been compromised, and of the many fans of tennis and Roland-Garros," the FFT said in a statement.

The tournament is now scheduled Sept. 20 to Oct. 4 in Paris.

"We have made a difficult yet brave decision in this unprecedented situation, which has evolved greatly since last weekend. We are acting responsibly, and must work together in the fight to ensure everybody's health and safety," FFT president Bernard Giudicelli added.

The French Open is the first Grand Slam to be affected in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic; France has over 6,600 recorded cases, with 148 deaths.

Wimbledon, scheduled to begin June 29, is now the next major on the tennis calendar.