A chilly start for the French Open

Gone are the long queues and gone is the sunshine, as the French Open began in underwhelming fashion on Sunday (September 27).

Usually played in May to June, this year's tournament was pushed back to late September and only 1,000 spectators - chosen by a draw - are allowed on site each day.

Organizers had initially hoped to welcome 20,000 - about half the normal capacity.

Players and guests are being submitted to mandatory testing before being sent to two hotels which they can only leave to play at Roland Garros or practice in the neighboring Jean Bouin stadium.

But despite a chill in the air and persistent drizzle, some, like 16-year-old Timothe Lefort, are still delighted to be attending.

"It's incredible in any case, we're lucky that it didn't get cancelled. So we're happy. And we hope that next year it will take place."

The weather in Paris is colder than normal for the Grand Slam event with the clay court conditions much heavier and slower than the players are accustomed to.

Rain is also forecast at Roland Garros for the next 10 days.