This page provides up to date information as to how the coronavirus (Covid-19) and the latest government advice around it, relates to tennis activities in Britain and all those involved in delivering them. Please be aware that this is a fast moving situation and liable to change with very little notice.
The latest Government guidance and information regarding Covid-19 can be found via the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
Suspension of LTA activity
The Government’s statement on Monday (16 March) in relation to Covid-19 said now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel. The statement included guidance that:
- Anyone who lives with someone who has a cough or a temperature should stay at home for 14 days
- People should start working from home where they possibly can
- Avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues
- Only use the NHS when we really need to
In light of this statement, the LTA implemented an immediate suspension of activity it delivers, with this suspension now in place for the foreseeable future. This includes all LTA organised training sessions, training courses and competitions. As a result all LTA staged and LTA approved competitions (grade 1 to 6) up to 20 April 2020 have been cancelled, with a decision on cancelling future competitions beyond that date being made on a rolling two week basis.
Given the nature of activities the LTA delivers, including the requirement for significant travel and close contact, we feel this is the most socially responsible and appropriate action for us to take at this stage, and ask for the understanding and support of all those impacted by this decision.
As it stands, the LTA’s major grass court events this summer have not been cancelled.
Tennis in Britain
We are working closely with both the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Sport England to help to fully assess the implications this latest advice has for tennis in Britain over the coming weeks.
"All those involved in tennis in Britain, including tennis venues and coaches, are advised to follow Government advice, referring to the latest information and the guidance issued.
While the LTA has suspended its organised activity, the Government have currently indicated that recreational exercise that takes place at a safe distance from others and in safe exercise environments is something that can continue during this period.
Guidance with regard to advised social distancing measures (defined by Public Health England as spending more than 15 minutes and within a 2-metre distance talking to someone) is provided on the Government website":
Sport England’s latest update for the sport and physical activity sector regarding Covid-19 can be read here:
Get in touch
It is important our conversations with Government reflect the views of and challenges faced by those involved in our sport.
Tennis venues, coaches and anyone else involved in tennis in Britain can email us at covid19@lta.org.uk to let us know how coronavirus has impacted you or your organisation.
While we will not be able to reply to emails individually due to volume, we will assess them and feed them in to our discussions with Government.
Preventing the spread of Covid-19
As with any other illness, everyone is strongly encouraged to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and avoid catching it by following NHS guidance and complying with requests to stay at home when advised to do so.
Additional information on what actions you should take to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 is provided on the NHS.UK website: