French Open bosses have told Serena Williams she must follow the rules – and can’t stay in her own Paris flat.

All players must stay in one of two hotels proposed by tournament organisers for health-and-safety concerns before Sunday’s clay-court Slam.

American Williams, who turns 39 on Saturday, had hoped to stay at her French apartment as she attempts to win a record-equalling 24th Singles major. She has three French Open titles on her CV.

Big names were allowed to stay in private housing for the US Open provided they paid for it themselves.

But French Tennis Federation President Bernard Giudicelli says there will be no special rules for the superstars.

Giudicelli told the Rock n Roll Tennis podcast: “The position we reached to organise the tournament is an outcome of an incredible journey that began at the beginning of June.

“When we reached the protocols set with government, we cannot change anything.

“We cannot speak about Roland Garros as a bubble. But it’s a ‘corridor’ where the players are protected.

“There are many French players who have flats around Roland Garros and in Paris.

“But even French players who own flats, we have told them you cannot be in your own houses.

“If you are, then we multiply the risks to get Covid-19.

“And everybody has to know that Covid-19 is like a bullet. If you put it on someone it turns again.”

Daily crowds of 5,000 will be allowed for the rescheduled fortnightly tournament.

But five unnamed players have withdrawn from qualifying and started a period of seven-day self-isolation after two players and a coach tested positive for coronavirus.