"The current confinement measures have made it impossible for us to continue with the dates originally planned", read a statement from organisers the French Tennis Federation (FFT).

Originally due to begin on May 18, September 20 is the tentative new start date.

Paris, where the event takes place at the Stade Roland Garros, is almost is lockdown, with non-essential businesses shut and people urged to stay at home by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Such measures mean that, even if such restrictions has been lifted by May 18, the venue would not be ready.

"In order to act responsibly and protect the health of its employees, service providers and suppliers during the organisation period, the FFT has chosen the only option that will allow them to maintain the 2020 edition of the tournament while joining the fight against COVID-19", said the statement on the French Open website.

"At this important period in its history, and since the progress of the stadium modernisation means the tournament can be held at this time, the FFT was keen to maintain the 2020 tournament."

The International Tennis Federation, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) have all already put their events on hold in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

The ATP and WTA tournaments at Indian Wells in California were earlier this month postponed on the eve of qualifying.

The new dates for the French Open are September 20 to October 4, meaning it will take place after both Wimbledon and the US Open if there are no more changes to the calendar.

Australian Ashleigh Barty is the defending French Open women's champion, while Rafael Nadal won the men's singles title for a record 12th time in 2019.