08 March 2020

Coronavirus latest: WTA tells players not to give towels or sweatbands to fans

WTA players have been told by the governing body that they should not give towels or sweatbands to fans to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

The WTA, along with ATP, have announced the measures ahead of the upcoming Indian Wells and Miami Open tournaments.

Players also won't accept pens, tennis balls or other items to sign autographs for fans.

In a joint statement the governing bodies wrote: "As the outbreak of COVID-19 continues, these are commonsense precautions for us to take.

"We continue to monitor this closely on a daily basis, working with our players and tournaments, as well as public health authorities as the situation evolves globally."

Other measures include: players and mascots won't hold hands, ball boys and girls will wear gloves and they won't handle players drinks or towels during matches.

A review will follow the WTA spring season to see what other measures need to be taken.

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