Israeli tennis player Shahar Peer has rejected calls for her withdrawal from the ASB Classic tennis tournament over Israel’s invasion of Gaza, saying she can take no responsibility for her nation’s military action. A New Zealand protest group, Peace and Justice Auckland, said they had written to Peer asking her to withdraw from the WTA tournament as part of a comprehensive international boycott of Israel. The group said they had not received any reply from Peer and would protest outside the tournament venue tomorrow when the 5th seeded player was scheduled to play a quarterfinals match. “On the eve of the tournament last Sunday evening we wrote to Shahar requesting she respect international calls for a comprehensive boycott of Israel and withdraw from the tournament,” protest leader John Minto said in a statement.
Peer was provided with extra security as she played a second round match Wednesday, beating Barbora Zahlavova of the Czech Republic 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.
She later told journalists she could do nothing about the politics of the Middle East.“I have nothing to do with this,” she said.
“I’m Shahar Peer. I came here to play tennis. I know I’m from Israel and I’m proud of my country and that playing tennis is what I’m going to do tomorrow.”
Peer, 21, said she had tried to ignore the events in Gaza but her own brother, a military reservist, had been called up. “Two days ago, I was crying a bit, actually more than a bit, so it was a hard time for me,” she said.
“I hope as soon as possible it will end and we will all be happy, because no one wants to be in a war.”
Peer said she had never previously been the focus of protests and had even been the first Israeli to play in the Muslim country of Doha, Qatar, where she was warmly received.
She said the protesters had the right to express their view. “It’s their choice and they are choosing what they want to do,” she said.
Peace and Justice Auckland said its letter to Peer highlighted the attacks and invasion of Gaza by the Israeli army and the heavy death toll of Palestinians. “The sports boycott of Israel is a key part of any boycott campaign because it is much more visible than a trade or investment boycott and can have an important psychological impact,” Minto said.
“We saw this with the successful sports boycotts against apartheid South Africa which had a big impact in South Africa and around the world.”
(Via AP; Image via Yahoo! Sport)
Global sports and entertainment company IMG today announced that no. 1 ranked player on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, Jelena Jankovic, has signed with the company for exclusive, worldwide marketing and management representation effective January 1, 2009.
Jankovic, 23, will also join IMG Models, the world's No. 1 international model management firm.
Fernando Soler, Head of IMG's Tennis Division said, "We are extremely pleased to add a player of Jelena's caliber to the list of great champions we represent. Her reputation, both on and off the court is unparalleled." Ivan Bart, Senior Vice President of IMG Models added, "We are equally pleased to have Jelena join our roster of celebrity clients." In making the announcement, Gavin Forbes, Senior Vice President, said, "Jelena is an athlete of enormous talent and unlimited potential. Jelena has distinguished herself as the No.1 player in the world and with her warm personality and fantastic smile she is an extremely popular competitor. IMG looks forward to working with Jelena at this exciting time in her career." Jankovic's tennis management team at IMG will be led by Caroline Lacy, IMG London. Jankovic, who has recently been crowned ITF World Champion added, "IMG is a global company and a leader not only in tennis, but entertainment, fashion and modeling as well. I'm very excited to partner IMG and look forward to working with them on a variety of exciting tennis, marketing and endorsement opportunities." Now that she's with IMG, JJ could be heading to Malaysia along with Maria Sharapova for an exhibition match.
The last time I read on LTAM website, the local organiser LD Sports is interested to bring in either JJ or Ana Ivanovic. So, there's a high possibility that JJ will make her way here.
I'll keep my fingers crossed. (Via msnbc.com; Image via Yahoo! Sport)
Finally Rafael Nadal accepted his 2008 year-end no. 1 trophy.
He received the award right after the match against Fabrice 'The Magician, No More' Santoro at the Exxon Mobil Qatar Open Tennis in Doha.
Nadal sent Santoro packing after handed him a bagel and a stick in just 48 minutes.
Andy Murray's presence is alarming, but you know what, RAFA BITES, okay? :P
(Images by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Japanese rising star Kei Nishikori who has been granted a wildcard entry for the Heineken Open in Auckland did not disappoint in the first round.
Nishikori defeated Bobby Reynolds 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the second round where he will meet Tomas Berdych.
According to tournament director Richard Palmer earlier last month,
"It's very exciting to have a player like him (Kei) in the field, especially since he is rated so highly by players and tennis officials around the world as someone who could be in the top-20 by the end of 2009."
(Images by William WestAFP/Getty Images)
Israeli tennis player Shahar Peer has rejected calls for her withdrawal from the ASB Classic tennis tournament over Israel’s invasion of Gaza, saying she can take no responsibility for her nation’s military action.
