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'Stay discreet': French Open's embarrassing cover-up revealed

French Open organisers asked employees to fill empty corporate seats to fill up Court Philippe-Chatrier for the start of the women’s final won by Ash Barty on Saturday.

Barty ended Australia’s long wait for a French Open title with a stunning victory over Marketa Vondrousova.

But the championship match and the preceding men’s semi-final were the subject of a ‘discreet’ cover-up by the French Tennis Federation.

At the end of a tournament marred by scheduling and ticket fiascos, the FTF invited employees to fill seats for the women’s final.

Seats and boxes set aside for officials and corporate sponsors are often empty on Roland Garros's centre court around lunch-time, as ticket holders enjoy the hospitality on offer rather than the tennis.

French Open organisers told employees to fill up the corporate seats for the women's final. Pic: Getty
French Open organisers told employees to fill up the corporate seats for the women's final. Pic: Getty

The stadium was not full, for example, when French Open champion Rafael Nadal and 20-times grand slam winner Roger Federer started their semi-final on Friday.

Organisers said on Sunday that they were considering implementing an 'overbooking' system similar to airlines and hotels to make sure that seats are occupied.

On Saturday, however, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) offered employees the chance to watch the action in unoccupied boxes.

The proposal was sent in an email sent to employees before Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem resumed their semi-final ahead of the women’s championship match.

"Because of the scheduling changes for tomorrow, June 8, the management of the tournament has the pleasure to authorise the employees of the FFT (black and grey badges) and their privies (white badge with black stripe) to access the boxes from 12pm to attend the end of the men's semi-final and the start of the women's final," the FFT said.

Ash Barty became Australia's first French Open champion since 1973. Pic: Getty
Ash Barty became Australia's first French Open champion since 1973. Pic: Getty

"It is well understood that the following rules must be respected:

- At every change over, when the guests enter the court, stand up and stay in proximity of the box. Step aside as the clients arrive.

- Stay discreet. Take off your accreditation once in the box. Do not bring food.

- Do not disclose this measure on social media.”

The French tennis federation (FFT) did not immediately comment when contacted by Reuters.

with Reuters