PALERME, ITALY – The tennis travel point resumed after a five-month break through the pandemic, with Palermo Ladies Open players guarding their towels and avoiding shaking hands with their opponents.
Strict regulations also included no on-site showers, autographs or photos with fans. The main singles players come from 15 countries, all from Europe.
A limited number of enthusiasts were allowed to enter the 1500-seat stadium court and had to take social estrangement measures.
Players and anyone who contacts them have been screened for COVID-19 before leaving for Palermo upon arrival, and will be re-evaluated every 4 days.
They saw sixth seed Donna Vekic beat Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands 6-1, 6-2 with wind in the first official attack, male or female, since early March.
“I’m actually pleased not to know how to play tennis, how to play matches, how to win,” Vekic said in a video conference. ‘It’s a big relief, so I’m really satisfied now.
“It was a little strange. I was nervous yesterday, even more today, but after the first games I calmed down a little bit and concentrated.”
Vekic will face Italian teenager Elisabetta Cocciaretto, who beat Slovenia’s Polona Hercog 7-6 (1), 6-3 in her first win over a player in the top 50.
But beyond this week, Vekic doesn’t know if his plans can be replaced as the pandemic continues around the world.
Vekic hopes to compete at the U.S. Open, where he reached the quarter-finals last year, and at the French Open as in Rome.
“Things are replaced every week, so I think we have to take it week after week and review to adapt as productively as possible, and we hope to play as much as we can,” Vekic said. “Uncertainty creates anxiety in each and every one.”
The U.S. Open It is scheduled to begin on August 31 and the French Open on September 27.
Laura Siegemund of Germany also took over in two sets, beating Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania 6-3, 6-4. It was more complicated for Sara Errani, the only former winner of the draw. The 2012 winner took about three hours to secure a 7-5, 1-6, 6-4 victory over Sorana Cirstea of Romania.
Players and anyone who contacts them have been screened for COVID-19 before leaving for Palermo upon arrival, and will be re-evaluated every 4 days.