A nationally televised tournament is being held in West Palm ... this weekend

While Palm Beach County remains under coronavirus pandemic restrictions, that’s not stopping a nationally televised tennis tournament from coming to town.

Dubbed as the “first live major sports event” on television since professional leagues shut down in March, the 2020 [Re]Open will be held at an undisclosed private residence in West Palm Beach and televised on Tennis Channel. The three-day men’s tournament, which runs Friday-Sunday, will not be open to the public.

Part of the Universal Tennis Rating Pro Match Series, the round-robin tournament will feature just four players — all of whom are ranked in the top 60 in the world. A four-player women’s bracket will be held in the same location from May 22-24.

Tournament organizers have cleared the event with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office, per a UTR spokesperson. Under a Palm Beach County emergency order, tennis courts in private communities are instructed to follow CDC guidelines. The measures allow for only singles play and prohibits people from congregating on the court or sidelines. A city of West Palm Beach spokesperson said their office was not contacted about the event.

Unlike larger tennis tournaments, the [Re]Open will be held with a skeleton staff. While matches will be still be conducted by an umpire, the tournament is omitting lines judges and ball boys. The Tennis Channel plans to use 19 on-site production members, 15 of whom are locally based.

All four of the men’s players — Matteo Berrettini, Reilly Opelka, Miomir Kecmanovic , Tommy Paul — live within driving distance, cutting down travel.

Tournament organizers are taking extra safety precautions for the event. While players and staff are not required to undergo coronavirus testing, a registered nurse will conduct daily temperature checks and health assessments.

In addition, on-site personnel will have personal protective equipment and the court will be disinfected before and after matches. Players will provide their own drinks and towels and have personally designated tennis balls with their name in order to limit contact. Post-match handshakes and hugs are also being eliminated.

While larger team sports like football and basketball face a unique set of challenges in operating amid the pandemic, Tennis Channel president Ken Solomon said tennis’ structure allows for quicker re-entry.