The future of the US$2 million Dubai Open may be at risk after Israeli tennis player No. 1 Shahar Peer was prevented from competing in the event. The world number 48 from Israel has been denied a visa into the Gulf state, bringing a critical statement from the Women's Tennis Association, which runs the women's tour. The Dubai Tennis Championship is one of the WTA Tour's most prestigious events and this week features every player from the world's top 10 except the injured Nadia Petrova.
Last year, Peer was given a visa to play in the Qatar Open in Doha.
"We are deeply disappointed by the decision of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) denying Shahar Peer a Visa that would permit her to enter the country to play in the Dubai Tennis Championships," Larry Scott, chief executive of the WTA, was quoted as saying by AFP. "Ms. Peer has earned the right to play in the tournament and it is regrettable that the UAE is denying her this right.
"Following various consultations, the Tour has decided to allow the tournament to continue to be played this week, pending further review by the Tour's board of directors.
"Ms. Peer and her family are obviously extremely upset and disappointed by the decision of the UAE and its impact on her personally and professionally, and the Tour is reviewing appropriate remedies for Ms. Peer and also will review appropriate future actions with regard to the future of the Dubai tournament.
"The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour believes very strongly, and has a clear rule and policy, that no host country should deny a player the right to compete at a tournament for which she has qualified by ranking."
According to the Israeli press, Peer holds a Slovakian passport but insisted on entering Dubai with her Israeli passport. Peer's brother said the 21-year-old player applied for a visa months in advance and was assured by tournament organisers that she would be allowed entry.
