As the warm weather is upon us, Tennis Canada wishes to issue its recommendations regarding playing tennis during the current crisis related to COVID-19. For the safety and wellbeing of all, the organization strongly advises that all players from across the country refrain from playing the sport that they love so much.
Tennis is a unique sport which provides many benefits, particularly for people’s health and wellbeing. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a number of challenges and disruptions around the world, and tennis is no exception. Here at home, this pandemic has forced government officials to adopt several security measures to reduce the risk of transmission.
Based on the recommendations made by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Tennis Canada believes that it is in the best interest of our society to take a collective break from tennis during these uncertain times.
After consulting with experts, Tennis Canada estimates that the virus responsible for COVID-19 can be transmitted through the sharing and handling of tennis balls, door handles, benches, the net and possibly the court itself.
In addition, although tennis is a safe sport, there is always a risk of injury when playing a sport and this is certainly not the time to be forced to seek medical attention.
“This is the first time in our history that we have issued an official recommendation to not play tennis,” stated Michael Downey, President and CEO at Tennis Canada. “This clearly goes against our mission as an organization, but we believe that it is our responsibility to issue such a recommendation to all players across the country. We ask that they remain patient and we look forward to seeing everyone back on the courts once this crisis is behind us.”