Masks everywhere as Palermo marks return to tennis

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Things didn’t get off to a good start when an unnamed WTA Tour player tested positive for COVID-19 before the tournament even began.

But on the first day of the main draw at the 31st Palermo Ladies Open, masks were all over the place.

Well, not everywhere – the chair umpires weren’t wearing them. And the ballpersons – all required to be over 18 in these special circumstances – weren’t wearing them either.

But on the plus side, they weren’t handling the icky towels, which got plenty of use in the hot conditions in Sicily.

Bathroom breaks? Mask up!

Masks everywhere, pretty much

A medical timeout for Sara Errani meant a mask for her (except when she took a drink, which would be awkward) and the WTA Tour health provider.

The fans were cooperative as well, for the most part.

No handshakes for the foreseeable future

Racquet taps at the end of matches will be the norm.

Of course, there are few rituals that are going to take longer to train out of people.

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