Tennis: the shadow of terrorism falls on the Dubai tournament

With a statement released in the last few hours, the ATP has warned players and team members that they will have to travel to the United Arab Emirates to take part in the ATP 500 tournament in Dubai, scheduled from 21 to 26 February. In particular, the association of tennis players has shown concern for the safety of the athletes due to the numerous threats and attempts of terrorist attacks received by the United Arab Emirates by the Yemeni rebels. In fact, last January 24, the UAE Ministry of Defense claimed to have intercepted two ballistic missiles launched against Abu Dhabi, which fortunately did not cause victims or injuries. The current Expo in Dubai would now also be in the sights of the rebels, a destination for thousands of tourists from all over the world and which could arouse the interest of players during the week of the event.

The press release

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“Dear players and team members. As you may have seen from the media reports, in recent days threats have emerged against the main attractions of the Emirates”, reads the letter from the ATP. “The UAE remains committed to hosting major international sporting events, such as the Dubai Desert Classic, a golf tournament which ended on Sunday and attracted thousands of spectators, as well as Expo Dubai 2020 which is still ongoing. if we believe that what is happening does not question the safety of the tournament, we advise players not to visit monuments or major attractions for the entire duration of the tournament. ”

The return of Nole

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Expected to return to the circuit after the storm at the beginning of the season, the number 1 in the world Novak Djokovic, who has chosen the Emirati tournament for his return to competitions. The ATP 500 in Dubai has given the Serbian many satisfactions during his career with 5 titles won between 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2020. The event will also see the presence of players of the caliber of Andrey Rublev, Felix Auger -Aliassime, Hubert Hurkacz and Denis Shapovalov. Among the most anticipated names also that of the blue Jannik Sinner, who will cover the role of fourth seed. “We are delighted to welcome so many top players,” said Colm McLoughlin, vice president of the event. “And we are delighted to see Novak again in Dubai for the twelfth time, we wish him the best of luck.”