I just read that The Tennis Channel canceled its coverage of the WTA tournament in Dubai over the decision not to grant an entry visa to an Israeli player Peer.
I think that's a gutsy and noble move by The Tennis Channel. KUDOS to The Tennis Channel!! Now, will the WTA and the ATP show the same integrity and cancel future tournaments in Dubai?
Though I struggle with wanting moe coverage, I stand with TTC on this one. When it comes to discrimination and hate. I support whats right. I'm glad to be on the side that wont ignore these rediculous Tournament Rules. Tennis isnt everything.
As much as I want to see more live tennis, I too applaud what Tennis Channel is doing. KUDOS to them. I wish there was some way we could all protest what the UAE is doing to Shahar. Religion and politics have nothing to do with sports.
Next week it will be interesting to see if Andy Ram is allowed to play in the ATP doubles tournament. I think Federer should move out of Dubai to protest what the UAE is doing.
I agree with bonetone. Why punish all viewers for political reasons. This is disturbing to me that The tennis channel has decided not to show the match. What next The Us open because of some international scandal with a Europen player. Please reconsider and let us enjoy the game.
You guys who are lamenting the lack of coverage on the Dubai event just don't get it. All it takes is one person to make a stand against what's wrong in order to get the wheels moving in the right direction. Oouble Kudos to TTC. I spit on Dubai. No amount of money or garish real estate buys class or polish. They are still a petty little country whose protestations of being fair and just to all are little more than hollow sounds. THERE IS NO REASON why Pe'er should not have played. *Hate* is not a reason.
Good fo the Tenns Channel, too bad the players didnt have the guts to stand up to the racists in Dubai. They should remember what goes around comes around and they are welcome as long as Emirates enjoy their tapdancing.
I hope the Tennis Channel can be fair. Does anyone know if they're broadcasting the ATP tournament in Dubai?
WHAT A SHAME! The entire Israeli media (JPost, Haaretz, Arutz Sheva etc.) refused to cover S. Williams Australian Open victory against D. Safina (1/31/09) but they chose to cover the Men's Final the next day. Typically, the Israeli media will provide coverage of a tournament until the finals and if Venus or Serena wins, they chose not to report their victory. The Australian Open 2009 was not the 1st time the JPost (most widely read Jewish publication in the world) blacked-out a US Open victory when the winner was one of the William Sisters. While the US has done it again and defended Israel against anti-semitism, the Israeli media (especially the JPost)continues to practice blatant racism against the Williams sisters and discrimination against the US team. It is the William sisters and the entire US Tennis Team that deserve an apology from Israel. If Israel's bias reporting against US players is confirmed, Israel should be fine for Andy's financial loss and the $300,000 fine imposed against Dubai should be recinded. After all the ruckas this week do you think the Israeli media will chose to cover V. Williams Dubai Final's victory especially since she defended Israeli player Peer twice this week or will Israel continue the racist policies of the past while trying to portray themselves as the victims? Feel free to check the records, validate and publicize the facts and demand that Israel end their outrageous discrimination against the US Tennis Team. * Check the Jerusalem Post to verify the exclusion of the US Women's Victory at the Australian Open 2009.
Last night I watched the story of Billy Jean King on the Tennis Channel. It totally enlightened me on things I was too young to remember or understand when it was actually happening. I am just amazed at how she stood up for what was right and wouldnt let the pressures of the way things were being done at the time MAKE IT RIGHT. because it wasnt right.. it was wrong. Equality in sports means equality for all sportsmen.women!
I see some have written that this is a stickly political issues but you fail to understand this is not just politics. You say that you want to see the best players play...what would you say if the best player was Peer? or if Venice was Jewish? Would that change things?
Why shouldnt this stand for something? This is huge. I had no idea until I turned on the Tennis Channel and saw them playing the 2008 Peer match vs Safina. I didnt understand the tribute they were doing ...until I looked up the story on the web. BRAVO for taking a stand. Bravo for not letting them get away with this injustice. and for those who sit in their comfy homes and cry they want to watch great tennis...O-PLEASE, how unfortunate for you! How close minded. How short sighted. How you dont take time to realize if one player is eliminated...it doesnt make it great tennis anymore.
I applaud Tennis Channel for thinking about what is right and wrong and not about $$. Too many people think about the $$ or the inconveniences....ex- the players that were there already who mightve dropped out except for the 1-$$s prize money or 2- possible penalty $$s for dropping out.
Well, I think Billy Jean would tell you that doing what is right is not always 1-easy or 2- appreciated or understood right away....go with your heart and do what is right. Because it is the only way to make the change happen!!!!!
No room in sports for prejudice!!
My opinion of Andy Roddick has risen.
I just read that Andy, who was set to play in the Dubai Tennis Championship, pulled out citing his disillusionment with the tournament and its organizers over the decision they made on Peer. This is a big blow to the tournament with Roddick being their defending champion. That is a stinging show of defiance. I'm impressed!
Are the bigwigs at the Tennis Channel out of their minds??? Me and many others don't care about the jewish player who was denied the visa. We just want to see the damn tournament, which I am sure will be just as exciting without her. Since when does the tennis channel decide to punish all of its viewers, just to make a stupid point? This channel is not worth the extra money I am paying for it....
Obviously, you don't see the whole picture. I love to watch tennis too but there are times when you have to give up your selfishness to make a statement. I think it was great that they cancelled coverage!! I only wish they had coverage of the Indian Wells Tournament in CA!! what is up with that!!!