ITF To Explore Action of Tunisian Federation

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 14th October 2013

ITF To Explore Action of Tunisian Federation

epa03600603 Tunisian Malek Jaziri returns the ball to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the first round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis ATP Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 25 February 2013. EPA/ALI HAIDER |

Both the International Tennis Federation and the ATP World Tour intend to find out the full facts of the reportedly ordered withdrawal of world no.169 Malek Jaziri from the quarterfinals of the Tashkent Challenger in Uzbekistan because he was due to face Israeli opposition.

The ramifications for the Tunisian Tennis Federation, who are believed to have relayed the orders the country’s Ministry of Youth and memories are still very clear over the international outcry that followed Israel’s Shahar Peer initially being refused a visa by the United Arab Emirates to contest the Dubai Duty Free Championships four years ago.

Amir Weintraub, the 197th ranked Davis Cup player is the Israeli involved in the controversy this time and the tennis authorities are determined not to be dragged through the same diplomatic nightmare again.

ATP World Tour spokesman Simon Higson said: “There’s a clear distinction between the ATP’s jurisdiction over players and the ITF’s over federations. We are looking into the specific circumstances of the case together with the ITF and will act accordingly.”

Nick Imison, of the ITF, followed up: “We believe that sport fosters good collaboration between nations. And, as such, players should be able to compete freely on the international circuit. If a federation were responsible for a player not taking part that would go against the ethos of the organization and against the ITF constitution.

“The most important thing going forward is for Tunisian players to be able to play freely against any opponents in the future. That is the aim of all the tennis governing bodies.”

An emailed message from the Tunisian Tennis Federation told Jaziri of his orders to withdraw. It read: “Following a meeting this afternoon with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, I have the immense regret to inform you that you are ordered not to play against the Israeli player.”

Later Sadok Touati, a spokesman for the ministry, confirmed to The Associated Press that the federation sent the email. “The ministry does not interfere in the affairs of the sports federations,” he said.

Shlomo Glickstein, director of Israel’s Tennis Association, countered stressing his intense disappointment at the state of affairs. “It’s a pity for the athletes who get caught up in these situations that end up hurting their personal career,” he said.

Topics: 10sballs, Amir Weintraub, Atp World Tour, Davis Cup, Itf, Malek Jaziri, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News, Tunisian Tennis Federation