The tournament made the announcement, in conjunction with the minister of sport. By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday September 18, 2020
Tired of watching tennis without spectators on television? Then tune into the Internazionali BNL d’Italia this weekend. The tournament has announced that they will allow 1,000 spectators into the semifinals and finals in Rome, provided they maintain strict social distancing protocols.
"Finally (up to) 1,000 spectators will be able to attend open-air sports events, starting with the semi-finals of the Italian Open tennis tournament (in Rome at the moment)," said Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora, in news reported by ANSA.
Physical distancing and facemask rules will have to be “scrupulously respected”.
Speaking after his three-set win over Jannik Sinner, Grigor Dimitrov said:
“It’s the first time I’ve heard about it. I don’t know how I feel about it. It took me a few matches to get used to the fact that we are not having fans around. Honestly I don’t know what to say. I love having the fans around, it’s just how I am. We are also what we are because of the fans – I mean I miss them – no doubt about it.
Now, midway through the tournament I don’t know, honestly, I’m really focused on other things right now. I’ve been trying to get my game back, my mentality on the court.”
