2023-06-27 06:05:00
Under a blazing sun, the beaten earth dries up. Thirsty, the crushed brick turns dusty red, swept away by the wind. Impracticable. Everywhere in Nice, as in the rest of the department, the tennis courts must no longer be watered since April 28. But many clubs do not respect the rule. Even though only national or international competitions benefit from an exemption: watering reduced to 60%, only between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
“In other words, it’s useless. From 11 a.m., everything has evaporatedgrumbles the head of the municipal court of Gorbella. But it’s the law, we have to obey it. The players are complaining but we can’t help it.” His annoyance is matched only by that of the members.
“We are the only ones playing the game…”
Clément exchanges a few balls on one of the three hard courts of the site. Exit the six ocher grounds. “Three months of drought, plus frosts in winter, makes them impassable half the year. I can’t train regularly…”, sighs the one who pays a contribution of 240 euros per year. But you have to make sacrifices to preserve water resources… “Okay, but the problem is that we are the only ones playing the game because it belongs to the town hall. The others continue to train and water illegally”he complains.
“Water or Close”
A justified bitterness. Several other clubs, private, have not turned off the tap. A trainer, hose in hand, sprinkles the court before a lesson. It’s 2:30 p.m., summer is hitting hard. Too strong. So he pleads “Having no choice. You have to moisten before each game to stabilize everything. Otherwise, following a week, it becomes too dry, it’s eroded. It’s that or the closure.”
The monitor just hopes not to be denounced by his neighbors: the club incurs a fine of up to 7,500 euros and, in the event of a repeat offense, a daily penalty of 1,500 euros.
The end of an era?
“Given the price of subscriptions, our club might take some penalties”having fun, following a match between friends, Loris and Zaki, in their twenties.
“Ultimately, the whole south of the country will have to give up clay. The return to hard courts would be a problem especially for seniors, who suffer from joints”analysis Zaki.
What solution to expect? Modern coatings, “Red +”, less hydrophasic? “If there is not a drop, it will not change anything”slips another coach.
Should we then give up the clay? On the courts, no one believes it. So, it sprinkles, here and there, as if nothing had happened. Preferring illegality at the end of an era.
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