Security concerns have prompted organizers and the ATP officials to cancel the inaugural Negev Israel Open which would have been scheduled from September 15 to 21. The tournament was previously hosted in St. Petersburg, Russia as recent as last year.
The Israel Open would have been the first ATP event at this country since 1996.
“We regret the ATP World Tour event in Tel Aviv, Israel, will not take place this year. Sadly, we do not feel we can proceed as planned given the situation in the region. Ensuring the security of our players, fans and all those involved in organising 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 Executive Chairman & President Chris Kermode.
Mr. Asaf Tochmeir, Chairman of the Israeli Tennis Association, said: “We regret the ATP’s decision. We at the ITA have done everything to ensure a successful ATP event takes place in Israel. We have raised sufficient funding and have taken care of all organisational requirements.
“On this occasion, I would like to express our most heartfelt concern for the soldiers as well as our condolences for the civilian casualties. We hope to see a swift resolution to the current situation.”
