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2/19/09 11:51 AM | Johan Lindahl
The ATP is hoping for a compromise solution to avoid a repeat of this week's women's visa drama in Dubai as an Israeli doubles players attempts to enter the Gulf emirate for next week's Barclays Championships.
The women's WTA event has provoked a firestorm international controversy and hand-wringing as one-time Israeli soldier Shahar Peer, world No. 45, was denied an entry visa for this week's women's event.
Andy Ram may have a fallback position which would squeeze him in on a loophole amid reports that he also holds as-now-unused passport from Uruguay. Israelis with second passports have been allowed into Dubai on previous ccasions.
The ATP has flown in board member Justin Gimelstob, who cause a furor of his own last year with violent sexist comments about Anna Kournikova which drew harsh criticism. Gimelstob, hardly defined as subtle, has already been mouthing off about "consequences" if Ram is now allowed in.
The ATP is deflecting all comment with a lockdown on information until the issue is solved one way or another.
Conflicting reports from vocal American Jewish groups who have jumped into the fray say Ram will be given a visa while nothing official has yet been released. Feelings are high in the moderate Gulf emirate, where public passions have been enflamed over the Israeli coming of Gaza last month which killed up to a reported 1,000 people.
Roger Federer, who bases himself in Dubia as a training base for part of the year, has pulled out of the ATP tournament citing a back injury.
It is conceivable that Rafael Nadal might choose to rest his weary knees next week instead of playing to prepare for Spain's Davis Cup tie against Serbia.
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Seems like you were off on this one. ATP+Gimelstob= Andy Ram getting his visa and playing in Dubai. Seems like a successful equation to me, considering the failed attempts previously.
luvtennis , 2/19/09 9:17 PM
FYI ALL "Fed, Nadal, Verdasco, Roddick out of Dubai"
tenisbebe , 2/19/09 10:26 PM
Gimelstob, hardly defined as subtle, has already been mouthing off about "consequences" if Ram is now allowed in.
Yes, G-d bless Justin Gimelstob for telling there would be consequences if Ram was not granted a visa. I believe it is time the world is reminded again that 6 million Jewish people were killed because people did not take a stand. I believe Justin Gimelstob was the man to send on this missionfor he knows how to get the job done and takes no crap-I wish our elected officials had some of Justin Gimelstob's traits for then we would get action rather than words.
Ruvain , 2/19/09 11:18 PM
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So...the ATP sent GIMELSTOB to smooth things over???? Wow. The ATP never ceases to amaze with their brilliant decision making. Sheesh.
cherylmurray , 2/19/09 1:54 PM