Peer in Dubai: Will it Happen?
Will Shahar Peer break another barrier in the Middle East? As I reported in USA Today, she is entered in the Dubai tournament next week and I was told that she has applied for a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates. The WTA is being mum about the situation and Israeli Peer also has refused interview requests. That's quite an about-face from last year, when the WTA touted Peer's visit to Qatar as a trailblazing event. I'm not sure what's behind the reticence. Security? Lack of assurance that she will be able to enter Dubai? Peer's well-known media shyness? The reasons could run the gamut. In light of last year's mysterious last-minute pullout by Israeli doubles players Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram, it will be interesting to see if Peer in fact plays and what kind of reaction it gets.
Doug, these discussions might be of interest to you. Please keep writing about this story. Thanks.
http://www.menstennisforums.com/showthread.php?t=120559
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=245675
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Peer was denied entry at the last minute, after she was placed in the draw. Andy Ram has apparently applied for a visa this year in the wake of Erlich's continued injury. Peer is handling it in a very dignified manner but Ram may not be so kind. Can't wait to see your take on this issue. Thank you for being a pioneer with this issue.
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Thank you for being one of the first to expose this story. I'm really surprised, and disappointed that the tennis media, especially TENNIS magazine has banned this topic from their blogging forums. The general media (CNN, USA TODAY etc... ) seems to have a better perspective, and less insider financial gains to expose the darker side of international sport.
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Shahar Peer plays amazingly good, and also i will mention sania mirza from india
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