The ATP has cancelled the scheduled ATP tournament in Tel Aviv, Israel this September because of security concerns. The move is in response to the recent violence in the region caused by conflict between Israel and Hamas.
"Ensuring the security of our players, fans and all those involved in organizing a world-class event, is our number one priority. We hope to be back in Tel Aviv next year. In the meantime, and much more importantly, we hope for a swift return to peace in the region," said ATP CEO Chris Kermode.
However, the Israeli Tennis Association indicated that it disagreed with the decision, with chairman Asaf Tochmeir saying, "We at the ITA have done everything to ensure a successful ATP event takes place in Israel."
The tournament was scheduled to be held for the first time this year, having been moved from St. Petersburg.
A week ago, doubles player Jonathan Erlich told the Washington Post that he had brought his wife and children from Tel Aviv to the United States in July following an escalation of attacks.
"You’re online all day long to see what’s going on, especially in the beginning when we didn’t know where everything was going,” Erlich said. “Now we more or less know what’s going on, but that first week, you never knew what was happening and so many rockets were coming."
The Argentine tennis association has also requested that its Davis Cup tie against Israel in September be moved to another location.