The French Open tennis tournament will be delayed by one week because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to organisers.

The clay-court Grand Slam tournament was set to start on May 23, but first-round matches will now get underway on May 30.

The French tennis federation said the decision was taken in order to maximise chances that the event would be played “in front of as many spectators as possible” in a safe environment.

“This postponement will give us a little more time to improve the health situation and should allow us to optimise our chances of welcoming spectators at Roland Garros,” said Gilles Moretton, the president of the French tennis federation.

“Whether for the fans, the players or the atmosphere, crowd presence is essential to the tournament, the first international sporting event of the spring.”