Andy Ram
Andy ram heals arab israeli relations.
by bahamaderek on Feb.25, 2009, under Andy Ram, Barclays Dubai
Andy Ram, the Israeli doubles player who was given a visa to play in the championships after one had been denied to compatriot Shahar Peer for the women’s singles, played without any problems in Dubai..
Ram and Zimbabwean team-mate Kevin Ullyett lost 3-6 6-3 8-10 to Marat Safin and David Ferrer in their first-round match amid tight security.
“Coming here was something big, because it showed that we should not involve sports with politics,” said Ram.
“It’s a bridge that connects people, countries, culture, everything, religions, and that’s the beauty of it. That’s why I decided to go into sports and not politics.”
The match took place on an outside court with spectator seats only at one end and fans had to enter through airport-style security barriers.
Mobile phones and bottles of water were not allowed on the court but water was eventually given out to spectators in plastic cups.
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Ram, who was protected by two bodyguards when he entered the court, added that he encountered no problems and would be happy to return next year.
“Definitely. Everything was just good and the people I was in touch with here were so nice to me,” he said.
“From the first moment I arrived at the airport, they took me to the hotel and treated me very well.
“I think it’s something good for the future in 30, 40 years, that something like this wouldn’t happen again.
“I decided it was the right decision to play here and I will come and try to do it again.”
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Dubai caves in….ram will get his visa!
by bahamaderek on Feb.19, 2009, under 2009 Barclays Dubai, Andy Ram
Israeli tennis player Andy Ram will be allowed to play in a premier Dubai tennis tournament after the Arab country said it would permit the 7th-ranked doubles player to enter the country.
The Persian Gulf country banned Israeli woman
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Israeli Andy Ram awaits his visa for dubai!
by bahamaderek on Feb.17, 2009, under Andy Ram
The visa row which has overshadowed the Dubai women’s tournament threatens to have an impact on the men’s event, which begins on Monday.
The ATP, men’s tennis’ governing body, has confirmed that Israeli doubles specialist Andy Ram has entered.
The 28-year-old, the doubles world number 11, is still waiting to hear if his visa application has been granted.
Shahar Peer could not play in the women’s event because she was refused entry into the United Arab Emirates.
The tournament has released a statement, explaining that the decision was taken for security reasons.
“Concern was raised about her well-being and her presence triggering similar protests. Given public sentiment, the entire tournament could have been boycotted by protesters,” said tournament director Salah Tahlak in a prepared statement.
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Israelis are only allowed into UAE if they have dual nationality or if there are exceptional circumstances.
Given the country’s stance over Peer, it appears unlikely that Ram will be given a visa.
An ATP spokesman said: “We are still waiting an official decision on Andy Ram’s visa application.
“Clearly this is an opportunity for the UAE to make the right decision.”
Ram says he does not want to see the tournament cancelled, but that a solution must be found by the tennis authorities.
“Cancelling the tournament is the last thing Shahar, the WTA or the ATP or anybody else wants,” said Ram, speaking at a tournament in Marseille.
“On the other hand, it’s one of the biggest tournaments on the calendar, so obviously they have to find a way to let the Israelis play there.
“The people in charge of the tour – the WTA and the ATP – have to take responsibility.
“It’s sad to see politics getting mixed up with sport. It’s something I’ve never had to confront.”
The men’s tournament follows immediately after the women’s event and this year will feature eight of the world’s top 10 players, including Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
The tournament is one of the most prestigious on the calendar, and offers more than
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