TENNIS is a sport built on tradition and professionalism, but alarming events at the Fujairah Open have cast a spotlight on whether the ATP is doing enough to protect its players.
On Saturday 28th February, the USA and Israel launched a military operation against Iran. Iran has since retaliated, claiming they have been targeting only US bases in the Middle East. However, over the first 3 days of the war at least 500 drones and 60 missiles were fired at the UAE hitting civilian homes and targeting non-military instilations.
The Fujairah Open was scheduled to begin on the 2nd of March, and despite all the risks in the region went ahead as scheduled despite the UK Foreign Office advising “All but essential travel”. The ATP’s decision was immediately proven to be one they’d regret making.
Midway through the match between Belarusian Daniil Ostapenkov and top seed Hayato Matsuoka of Japan, an air raid siren went off forcing the players and officials to flee for cover. It emerged that an debris from an Iranian drone had hit and caused a fire six miles away.
Immediately after this incident the ATP cancelled the tournament and advised all players to immediately leave the United Arab Emirates. The ATP’s decision has called into question whether they have players best interests truly at heart.
