News

No shaking, no showering, no sharing: Welcome to post-virus tennis

May 2, 2020 02:45 AM


No shaking, no showering, no sharing, no signing.

Welcome to what the world of tennis could look like once government restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic have been lifted. 

On Friday, the International Tennis Federation (ITF), issued a set of guidelines for local and national-level competitions.

"They emphasise that decisions made by governments take precedence and that tennis (either competitive or recreational) should not be played until governments have sufficiently relaxed any restrictions that are currently in place," said an ITF statement.

The guidelines include arriving at a venue already dressed and leaving immediately after the conclusion of a match.

"Do not use the locker rooms or showers," say the ITF.

Masks are to be worn while off-court, players and officials should maintain at least two metres between each other while hand shakes are also off limits.

Each player is asked to use their own set of balls - separately numbered. 

Ball boys and girls to wear rubber gloves while at changeovers, players must go around opposite sides of the net.

Players are also discouraged from signing autographs and from taking selfies while being warned not share equipment, water bottles or food.

Tournaments should also only be singles and played without spectators.

"While following measures such as these will ensure that the risk from COVID-19 is minimised, the guidelines are clear that the risk cannot be eliminated altogether," added the ITF.

The professional ATP and WTA tours have been suspended since mid-March and are not expected to resume until July 13 at the earliest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOavNaBX4NU


Most Read

  1. PIA plane escapes disaster after engine catches fire PIA plane escapes disaster after engine catches fire
  2. 178 Palestinians killed as Israel resumes attacks on Gaza houses 178 Palestinians killed as Israel resumes attacks on Gaza houses
  3. Educational institutions to remain closed tomorrow Educational institutions to remain closed tomorrow
  4. The Rise of Aesthetic Clinics in Pakistan The Rise of Aesthetic Clinics in Pakistan
  5. Pakistani rupee stands defiant against US dollar in interbank Pakistani rupee stands defiant against US dollar in interbank
  6. Pakistan cricket team lands in Australia for Test series or honeymoon? Pakistan cricket team lands in Australia for Test series or honeymoon?

Opinion

  1. Journey of Compassion: Diplomatic Aid Unveiled in Jinping County, Yunnan, Through the Eyes of International Journalists
    Journey of Compassion: Diplomatic Aid Unveiled in Jinping County, Yunnan, Through the Eyes of International Journalists

    By Ali Ramay

  2. TPNW can prevent nuclear disaster in South Asia
    TPNW can prevent nuclear disaster in South Asia

    By Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai

  3. Political Opportunism and the 18th Constitutional Amendment
    Political Opportunism and the 18th Constitutional Amendment

    By Muhammad Asad Ayaz

  4. Battling the Teeth: The Growing Threat of Dog Bites
    Battling the Teeth: The Growing Threat of Dog Bites

    By Dr Asif Channer

  5. To Know and Not to Know
    To Know and Not to Know

    By Abdullah Bin Tahir