Tennis Alice Springs bounces back with a brilliant return to action

TENNIS has returned but there is more to it than just hitting balls, says Tennis Alice Springs director Matt Roberts.

Hunter Copeland, 12, Sebastian Gardiner, 11, and Fraser Russell, 11, are stoked to be allowed back on the tennis court. Picture: EMMA MURRAY

TENNIS has returned but there is more to it than just hitting balls, says Tennis Alice Springs director Matt Roberts.

Jobs and re-engaging with players are among the things Roberts considers to be more important than the game.

“It’s not just being open again and being able to re-employ my casuals and have some work here myself, but it’s also about constant communication and updates,” Roberts said.

“It also means a lot for the adults that rely on tennis for their social interaction and wellbeing. We had some messages on Monday saying thanks because it means so much to them.

“They are just grateful to be out and about, and be a part of something.”

He described as “hectic” the sport’s return to the Traeger Park courts over the long weekend amid the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“It was the busiest long weekend of all time” he said.

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“There were people we haven’t seen before, people who used to play who are eager to come back and so many kids with their families. It was just fantastic.

“Long weekends are usually quiet because everyone is away, but we were constantly busy and constantly full.”

Only organised social tennis is being played, with junior grand finals, singles and doubles next Friday and the first competition with seniors starting on May 19.

A big change is increased health safety precautions.

“Our cleaning and sanitising regimen is still ramped up,” he said. “We do everything from disinfecting loan rackets, to disinfecting the water fountain and making sure safe and sensible social distancing applies.

“The days of handshakes and high fives have been put to the side for now.”