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Rediff.com  » Sports » PIX: Say hello to new 'normal' in tennis

PIX: Say hello to new 'normal' in tennis

By Rediff Sports
August 14, 2020 14:12 IST
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IMAGE: Serena Williams, left, and Venus Williams touch racquets after their match. Photograph: Dylan Buell/Getty Images

Nearly five months after sport around the planet was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, tennis players and venues stick to strict guidelines.

 

Covid-19

IMAGE: A volunteer sanitises a bench between matches. Photograph: Dylan Buell/Getty Images

During the Palermo Ladies Open and the inaugural Top Seed Open in Lexington, Kentucky, the focus remained firmly on minimising health risks.

The players did not greet each other at the net either, choosing to touch racquets instead, nor did they shake hands with the referee.

Covid-19

IMAGE: UTR cleaning staff sanitise the net between matches. Photograph: Michael Reaves/Getty Images

They also had to manage their own towels while autographs and selfies are forbidden.

Covid-19

IMAGE: Fans wearing face masks sit in the stands during the matches. Photograph: Tullio M Puglia/Getty Images

Players had to be reminded by the chair umpire not to throw items like wrist bands into the sparse crowd after their matches.

Covid-19

IMAGE: Winner Fiona Ferro, right,poses with finalist Anett Kontaveit at the award ceremony after the final during the 31st Palermo Ladies Open. Photograph: Tullio M Puglia/Getty Images

Hand sanitising stations were placed throughout the tournament facility and all common areas were cleaned daily with an antiviral application.

Say hello to the new normal players will see for the foreseeable future because of the pandemic.

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