Davis Cup to proceed despite terror warnings in Belgium
BRUSSELS, Belgium — If not for their capital becoming the latest city to find itself purportedly targeted by Islamic State terrorists, the people of Belgium might have caught tennis fever this week.
It has been 111 years since this small European country qualified for the final of the Davis Cup, tennis’ signature men’s international team competition, and has never seen its name adorned on the trophy.
Yet few are discussing matters so trivial as sports here, except to express surprise that the championship match against Great Britain, scheduled to begin on Friday and run for three days, is taking place at all.
For Brussels is on a state-advised lock down, with businesses, schools and the underground train system shuttered for the past four days due to the looming threat, according to prime minister Charles Michel, of several coordinated terror attacks on a similar scale to those that devastated Paris and killed 130 this month.
In the capital, government officials warn citizens and visitors not to attend public events such as sporting events or concerts, yet the final will indeed go ahead, and a packed crowd is expected in the nearby city of Ghent, just 45 minutes from downtown Brussels.
“As of today there are no changes to the previously published start times for the Davis Cup final,” said the International Tennis Federation and the Royal Belgian Tennis Federation in a joint statement. “We are taking every necessary step to ensure the safety of the teams, the spectators, the media and all working staff.”
Brussels placed on highest terror alert
While the official threat level is one notch lower in Ghent, virtually all of the 1,000-plus British fans scheduled to make the short journey to the Flanders Expo indoor arena will pass through Brussels, either via its airport or Eurostar train terminal.
Former British No.1 tennis player Tim Henman will not be among them, having cancelled plans to attend along with his wife and family.
The British team, spearheaded by world No. 2 Andy Murray and seeking its first title since 1936, was due to take the Eurostar to Belgium on Sunday, but instead made the journey by private plane a day later, bypassing Brussels altogether by landing at a small airport near Ghent.
“It was obviously a bit concerning a few days ago,” Murray said on Tuesday. “I think once we got here and got into the hotel, came to the venue and saw what it was like, that made everyone more comfortable.”
Britain’s route to the final began in March with a first round victory over the United States and has relied on its loud posse of supporters each step of the way. Head coach Leon Smith is hoping the noisy band of traveling support can help offset Belgium’s home advantage.
“I know it's a different picture in Brussels and of course there are natural concerns for people who were either opting to stay there or travel through there,” Smith said. “All I can say, and the team can say, is that it is very, very normal in Ghent.”
While the team has largely been isolated since its arrival, venturing no further than the hotel and the venue for training, family members have voiced concerns. Judy Murray, mother to Andy and his brother Jamie, with whom he will likely play a crucial doubles match on Saturday, alluded to the proximity of the location to Molenbeek. That area, a suburb of Brussels, is where suspected Paris perpetrator Salah Abdeslam hails from. Abdeslam remained at large as of Tuesday evening.
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While Belgian officials are taking a generally cautious approach, they also see a value in sending a message that life will not be disrupted by the threat of terror. The Davis Cup, a highly popular competition — especially in Europe — could potentially provide the country with a measure of unity at a fraught time.
There is also the belief that protecting the Flanders Expo, a converted convention center, will be easier than, for example, an open-air soccer match. However, spectators have been warned to expect tight controls and to be forbidden from bringing backpacks, food or drink into the venue.
Britain chances, as ever, rest on the shoulders of Murray, who is slated to play two singles and probably the Saturday doubles along with his brother. For the hosts, the match provides a rare opportunity for its male players to create history after modern female stars Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters won 11 Grand Slam singles titles between them. World No. 16 David Goffin holds much of the burden as his side bids to cause an upset.
GALLERY: INCREASED SECURITY IN BELGIUM
