Tennis, like other sports in the region have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. But the sport is showing signs of life with tennis now back on the cards for many. However there are restrictions.
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Most people see tennis as an individual sport and wouldn't think it's been badly affected, but it has, according to Lithgow City Tennis Club president Janene Graham.
As the virus progressed, restrictions were put into place forcing the closure of Lithgow Tennis Courts on March 18.
"This pandemic has been extremely difficult for a lot of people in our community and our tennis club is no different.
"Basically, the virus ceased all tennis activity in Lithgow," Ms Graham said.
After almost a month of closed courts, easing restrictions led to the reopening of Lithgow Tennis Courts on April 14.
However according to Ms Graham, COVID-19 has effectively stopped all competition based, social tennis and tennis coaching in Lithgow despite the reopening.
"Tennis NSW have revised their stance on playing tennis at local clubs during this pandemic and social distancing. This means that casual court hire with only two people is now permitted.
"But social tennis, doubles play and competitions are not allowed," she said.
Ms Graham said the easing restrictions allow any player to take the opportunity under proper social distancing guidelines, to exercise through tennis.
"Players will have to book online to play tennis and courts can only be booked for one hour, she said.
She said courts were limited to two players each however family groups from the same household were allowed to exercise together.
"There needs to be suitable distance between players, no swapping of ends during play and players are advised to use their own marked balls and bring hand sanitiser," she said.
Ms Graham said she understood the importance of social distancing and as difficult as it was to not be out on the court competitively, everyone needed to play by the rules.
"We need to do this so we can be safe.
"We know this time will pass eventually and tennis competitions and social play will be back on our calendars again," she said.