Tennis is set to be the first sport to return to action in Bermuda since the Covid-19 outbreak.

The MTM Covid Championships, approved by Government and the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association, will get under way at the Fairmont Southampton Tennis Club tomorrow.

The weeklong competition will feature more than 50 players in three divisions.

Gavin Manders, of Manders Tennis Management, said social distancing measures will be enforced throughout the tournament.

Players will be allocated their own can of marked balls and that they had been asked not to shake hands at the end of matches.

Mr Manders said: “This championships will give local tennis an opportunity to shine a little bit because a lot of the other sports can’t get out yet.

“There’s been a lot of adjustments and changes we’ve had to make to get this approved by Government, but the actual playing side of things will be the same as usual. Tennis is essentially a built-in social distancing sport.”

He added: “Hopefully, we can bring some positive vibes to the tennis community and the Bermudian community by putting something in place that follows the Government guidelines, while allowing people to get out and do some physical activity.”

Mr Manders said he expected the Open A Division to be particularly strong as the majority of Bermuda’s college players are at home because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Among the local leading lights participating will be Tariq Simons, the No 1 seed, Mr Manders, Trey Mallory, Jovan Whitter, Scott Redmond, Mackai Whitter, Luke Stirling and Katerina Filip.

Mr Manders added: “I can’t remember the last time we had such a competitive field of players.

“We hardly get a time when all of our players are home. Pretty much all of the top-ranked players are available, plus the college players are back as well.

“They don’t usually get a chance to play in these tournaments.”

The championships also include an Open B Division and a Green Ball Division, which will feature a slower ball for novice players.

For more details, e-mail Info@mtm.bm