The French Open semi-final between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic was given permission to be concluded in front of spectators on Friday despite the tie exceeding an 11pm Covid-19 curfew. "In agreement with the national authorities, the match will come to an end in your presence," said a stadium announcer to 5,000 spectators on Court Philippe Chatrier. Djokovic had just won the third set of the semi-final on a tiebreak when the news was announced for a two sets to one lead. dj/jc