Tennis club opens doors for social plays

Geraldton Tennis Club says people can stay active during the coronavirus pandemic by playing social singles tennis. President George Giudice said Monday if you do want a hit, you’ll have to put your money in the tin and practise flicking balls across the court with your racket, because innovative hygiene and social distancing guidelines are needed to comply with government advice during the COVID-19 outbreak and keep the courts open. That’s helping the tennis club keep running and showcase what Giudice said are immaculate courts at a time when the main Easter tournament had to be cancelled, and helping the community stay active, Giudice said. “There’s only two people allowed to be on each court, and only singles are allowed to be played,” he told the Geraldton Guardian. “You mustn’t come out there if you’re isolating or feeling sick. “(Last) Saturday we opened the club and we had 15 people, and we had each alternate court open.” Giudice said with most organised sports cancelled, staying active was important for physical and mental health, although the situation was changing on a daily basis and nobody was sure when social sports might have to stop as well. “We’re going to keep that going through Easter if we can, depending on government announcements,” he said. Giudice said staying active was more important than ever and was important for the club, since its annual Easter tournament was cancelled. “It’s important for people to keep up their exercise for their mental and physical health,” he said. “We allow them to come along and there’s a tin there they put their money in and have a hit.” He said the club was taking some innovative measures to promote hygiene. “You’ve got to have your own tennis balls, or you can buy tennis balls from the club and we mark them with your initials,” he said. “If you want to return them we just pick them up with your racket and hit them back.” For now, the club was hoping to replace the Easter tournament with social tennis. “Anyone can go out there for a hit or even walk around the tennis courts, it’s a nice outlook.” He said the club had reduced court fees to $5 per person for social tennis. “It keeps the club alive and ticking over, it keeps people interested and aware there’s a wonderful facility,” he said. “The courts are in immaculate condition, it’s a pity we can’t show them to tennis players from all around Australia. “We thought people might as well enjoy it as long as they abide by social distancing and hygiene.”