Tennis courts that will be transformed into a a 350-bed temporary hospital at the USTA Billie Jean King tennis center in the Borough of Queens on March 31, 2020 in New York. (PHOTO / AFP)

Playing tennis might not be a good idea in these critical times, says the US group typically busy encouraging more to take up the sport.

“Based on the recommendations of the USTA COVID-19 Advisory Group, the USTA believes that it is in the best interest of society to take a collective pause from playing the sport we love,” the United States Tennis Association said in a statement on Friday.

Based on the recommendations of the USTA COVID-19 Advisory Group, the USTA believes that it is in the best interest of society to take a collective pause from playing the sport we love

The United States Tennis Association

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“Although there are no specific studies on tennis and COVID-19, medical advisors believe there is the possibility that the virus responsible for COVID-19 could be transmitted through common sharing and handling of tennis balls, gate handles, benches, net posts and even court surfaces.”

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The governing body encouraged everyone to stay active and healthy with at-home exercise and creative “tennis-at-home” variations.