Last February headlines read: “Israel’s Shahar Peer denied visa for Dubai Tennis Championships.” Diplomatic differences kept the qualified Shahar Peer from playing in Dubai. The UAE (United Arab Emirates) denied her a visa for the 2009 tournament even though tournament organizers assured her there would be no problem. This year, things are different.
The Telegraph.co.uk reports, “After last year’s controversy, the WTA Tour made it a condition of Dubai staging a tournament in 2010 that they give written confirmation that any Israeli players would receive visas.”
There have been several incidents of public threat and protest surrounding athletes of differing political agreements. It seems like a lot of wasted energy persecuting athletes when there are so many others who pose real, viable threats. I hope Shahar plays her heart out. A win would speak volumes for the young athlete.