Tennis fans expressed their dissent after ITF allowed Israel to play the 2024 Davis Cup qualifiers amidst the Israel-Palestine war. And the exclusion of Russia earlier this year added fuel to this fire on social media.
ITF released a comprehensive list of Davis Cup qualifying teams recently and Israel has made it to the draw. ITF banned players from Russia from participating in team events in tennis since March 1, 2022, due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Russia-Ukraine war which was facilitated by Belarus resulted in a ban on players from Belarus from participating in any international team competition. It also banned all ITF events in these three countries. The players were however allowed to participate in individual tournaments but were not allowed to play under the Russian or the Belarusian flag in Grand Slams and other tournaments.
As Vladimir Putin initiated the invasion of Ukraine, FIFA and UEFA jointly announced the suspension of Russian clubs and national teams from all competitions, and the next day ITF came up with their suspension from team events.
The Israel-Palestine war which broke out recently did not affect Israel’s participation in team events. It is among the 24 nations which have qualified for the 2024 Davis Cup qualifiers.
It didn’t go well with the tennis fans as ITF has not been fair in handling both countries in similar situations. Here are some of the reactions on the social media platform X by tennis enthusiasts.
It’s wild that they just let Israel compete but say nah to Russia? Like where’s the logic
It’s wild that they just let Israel compete but say nah to Russia? Like where’s the logic 🤔🤔
— Vanoose 🤦🏼♀️🙄 (@Nessa_Peaches) November 26, 2023
All the calls from Tennis organizations to ban the Russian athletes but nothing for the country committing genocide. you’re all hypocrites.
all the calls from tennis organisations to ban the russian athletes but nothing for the country committing genocide. you’re all hypocrites. https://t.co/P9RCJpY2Z2
— m (taylor’s version)✨ (@safeand_sound13) November 27, 2023
.@ITFTennis l need yall to define "invade" or explain the difference b/w war & war cuz maybe there's a valid reason why Russia is banned and not Israel or maybe we do separate athletes & governments but there r actually some Russian tennis players behind the Russo-Ukrainian war🤷♀️ https://t.co/JUCwHoSdqC
— Bweh (a fish on the sofa) ◥ ◤ (@tennis_hurts) November 26, 2023
they wont let russians play but israel is allowed??? 🙄 https://t.co/1R5TnfAFBP
— emily (@janniksinners) November 26, 2023
Tel Aviv Open canceled due to the Israel-Hamas conflict
The 2023 Tel Aviv Open which was scheduled to take place in November has been cancelled due to the outbreak of war.
The tournament which is a part of the ATP tour was cancelled in consideration of the safety and security of players and fans.
The organization has always stood against any kind of terrorism and the worsening situation in Israel made it difficult for them to ensure proper security and safety subsequently leading to the cancellation of the event.
“The violence and acts of terror witnessed in Israel are beyond comprehension……We strongly comdemn any form of terrorism and mourn the loss of innocent lives across this conflict. We hope and pray for peace in the region.”
– ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi in an interview
Novak Djokovic won the title in 2022 defeating Marin Cilic in straight sets in the finals. The fans would have loved to see the No.1 in action again this year but the situation in Israel has made its fans wait for some more before they can enjoy some tennis again.
