Strict COVID-19 protocols to be in place for ITF Men’s Series
LUCKNOW: There was a sea of fans jostling with each other to get a glimpse of India’s tennis star Leander Paes when the city hosted the only Davis Cup tie ever — against Lebanon — on the grass courts of the Avadh Gymkhana Club in February 2000.
Paes didn’t disappoint and won both his singles and doubles tie, pairing with Vishal Uppal, to guide the hosts to a 3-1 victory. Syed Fazaluddin and Mustafa Ghouse were the other members of the team led by Ramesh Krishnan.
The Davis Cup tie kickstarted the ‘golden year’ of tennis activities in the state capital as the venue hosted the ATP Challenger in April before the Uttar Pradesh Tennis Association held the only ITF Men’s Series so far in November then. Qualifier Jonathon Marray of Great Britain won the title, brushing aside France’s Leslie Demiliani 7-5, 0-6, 7-5 after Rohan Bopanna lost in the first round.
“That was the best year for the sport in Lucknow as fans here witnessed great tennis action,” recalls former tournament director JS Kaul, who feels that playing on the grass courts of the Gymkhana Club has always been a great experience. “Now, such huge gatherings are not possible because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
The upcoming $15,000 ITF Men’s Series, starting March 2, on the synthetic surface of the Vijayantkhand Stadium here, is set to mark the commencement of tennis activities in the country after the prolonged break due to the pandemic. A total of 78 tournaments, including the
2020 National Championships and six ITF tournaments, will be taking place across country.
The All India Tennis Association calendar includes 45 ranking-series events, 10 Talent series, three Championship series and one National series. Another tournament with similar prize money like Lucknow will take place for women in New Delhi from March 1.
The biggest issue for the organisers in Lucknow is to ensure strict compliance of COVID-19 protocols as suggested by the International Tennis Federation, which has even mentioned the provision of a $500 fine for violations.
“All the players will have to produce negative RT-PCR test reports and either a parent or a coach will be allowed to accompany the player. All ITF guidelines will be followed strictly,” tournament’s director, Puneet Agarwal said on Thursday.
As per the ITF guidelines,
role of the tournament’s doctor would be the crucial one as he would be the person to ensure every protection of all the participants, including the officials during the course of event. “The tournament doctor must be aware of the relevant government guidelines in place in case an individual attending, working, or competing in that event is infected. Provide athletes, staff, and spectators with masks, increase hand washing and provide (60% alcohol based) hand sanitisation stations inside and outside the tournament venue,” read the guidelines.
So far over a dozen foreigners and top Indians like Saket Myneni and Sidhart Rawat have confirmed their participation. Five from hosts Uttar Pradesh, including two in the main draw, have been given wild card. The qualifying rounds take place on February 28, whereas the main draw is due to start from March 2.