Tennis officials to make changes due to COVID-19 threat

The global fight against coronavirus may have affect large sporting bodies overseas but it did not spare the local minor sporting organisations.

Tennis Fiji president, Richard Breen says that this was great challenge as tennis tournaments had to be re-scheduled.

“The pandemic has had a detrimental effect on Tennis Fiji’s calendar of events the same as it will have had on other sports,” he said.

“With respect to tennis we are only talking about postponing and cancelling events which in the light of the bigger picture seems a minor inconvenience compared to those critically ill and the loss of life around the world.”

“So with the health and safety of Fijians in mind and adhering to the instructions given by our Prime Minister, a number of events have been cancelled including the Fiji Open at the end of May which has international participation each year.”

The next international events in line to be effected are the ITF World Ranking Junior events held at the end of June. A postponement is expected before the end of April and depending on the ITF calendar. “We have already postponed one international event The Pacific Oceania Junior Championships (Under-6, U14, and U12) in July to October.”

“Our national junior team which was meant to depart our shores in three weeks’ time has been delayed until the end of July.” All local events and outreach programmes have been cancelled until further notice.

HOME TRAINING

Although playing on a court for certain players may not be possible they continue to work on their fitness at home.

This is being practiced by the eight players who have been training for the Nations Cup in Samoa.

It has also been postponed until October and only six will be confirmed, he says.

“All have to follow their individual fitness program, some are doing this at home as they are under restrictions in Lautoka or under self-quarantine due to arriving from overseas.”

LOOK AFTER YOURSELF

Breen has urged the athletes to take good care of their health during this time as we fight against this deadly virus.

“Stay positive we will get through this and become stronger as a result of this.”

“Use the time wisely, enjoy your family and continue to train hard.

That responsibility is down to you, you must keep your personally fitness program up in order to be ready for when you hit the court in what we all hope in the near future.”