Wednesday 18 November 2015

Tennis:The International Tennis Federation expect Davis Cup final to go ahead


The Davis Cup final between Great Britain and Belgium in Ghent is set to go ahead as planned, despite security concerns in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks.

There were 129 people killed in last Friday's attacks, with Belgium's football friendly against Spain cancelled on Monday night due to security concerns.

Sell-out crowds of 13,000 are expected for all three days of the Davis Cup final between November 27-29, and the ITF said in a statement that work was being done to ensure participants and spectators are safe.

We need to go out there and do what we always do and try not to change too much. That's all we can do. I don't want to live my life in fear each time I step on a tennis court.

"The ITF, Royal Belgian Tennis Federation and associated partners are continuing with preparations for the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Final, with the emphasis on security operations," read the statement.

"The ITF is aware of the cancellation of the Belgium versus Spain international friendly football match.

"The ITF understands that it was the Belgian FA that took this decision after consultation with the Belgian government.

"Other events in Ghent scheduled this week, including a cycling race and a large trade fair, are going ahead as planned."

The Lawn Tennis Association said they are in touch with the Foreign Office about the situation.

"The LTA is in regular dialogue with the ITF on event security relating to the Davis Cup final," read a Lawn Tennis Association statement.

"We are also taking advice from the Foreign Office and will continue to closely monitor the situation.

"The safety of everyone in the British contingent, including our players and fans, remains our number one priority."

British No 1 Andy Murray, who is currently in action at the ATP World Tour Finals in London, does not think switching or delaying the final would be the right decision.

"I think everybody right now is concerned about things," Murray said. "But I do think the best thing that we can do is to live our normal lives, not change too much, because then the terrorists are the ones that are winning.

"We need to go out there and do what we always do and try not to change too much. That's all we can do.

"I don't want to live my life in fear each time I step on a tennis court. So that's what I'll do."

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