On Wednesday evening, our State President confirmed the easing of restrictions for several non-contact sports – including tennis – under alert level 3 of the national risk adjusted strategy.
From a Tennis South Africa (TSA) perspective, this return will commence on a staggered basis, with the following players and their coaches now allowed to return to training:
- ATP, WTA, and ITF players
- Players training and preparing for national championships.
- Any players in a national, provincial, district or private academy squad - subject to the squad being recognised by TSA and the relevant Province or District.
- Any players training for official district or provincial club leagues.
Specific and stringent safety measures have been put in place to ensure compliance with national government protocols, and players, coaches, and facilities will need to first align with these in order to officially return to court. On Wednesday, TSA sent out communication to provinces, coaches, clubs, and registered players, providing more information on this matter.
The next phase of the staggered approach will see the return of a limited number of tournaments on a restricted provincial basis, as well clarification on the commencement of social tennis for club members. News on these areas will be shared soon - once we have received further guidance from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
Tennis South Africa would like to thank the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and his team for their collective commitment and efforts in helping tennis to return on a controlled basis.
A communication for the return to tennis has been emailed to all members. The information can also be found on the attachment below: