Israeli tennis player Shahar Pe’er was permitted to play in the Barclay’s Dubai Tennis Championships in February with help from women’s professional tour star Venus Williams. After Pe’er was denied entrance to the United Arab Emirates for the 2009 championship, Williams spoke out, saying that she would not participate in the following year’s Dubai competition if Pe’er were denied entrance again.
This year, Dubai officials granted Pe’er a visa, allowing her to compete. Nevertheless, the Israeli was separated completely from the other Women’s Tennis Association competitors and, for security reasons, allowed movement only from her hotel room to the tennis courts. Pe’er also was the only player to not appear on the center court for a match.
Good for Venus. I have never been a big fan of hers and today my opinion of her improved a lot. It is also to bad about the segregation of the Israeli girl while there.
I am of 2 minds whether she should have even applied to play. I know she was trying to make a point but with the segregation did she really win? Myself in my working career I would not even apply somewhere I thought it would be a drag to be at. Why go if you won`t enjoy being there? Her not being there would be the tournaments loss not vis versa.
If Venus had what happened in the third world there, maybe he’ll be another.
I know what you mean, Bob. I’d probably say FU to the folks in Dubai.
What’s missing here is an explanation from the official tennis association that didn’t itself reject Dubai for a tournament location.
Go Venus. What an upstanding young women. Why dosen’t the world know about this? and why are their still official tennis matches in Dubai?
very good play