Davis Cup final in Belgium set to go ahead despite security fears

17 November 2015 04:16

The Davis Cup final between Great Britain and Belgium in Ghent seems certain to go ahead despite security concerns.

Tuesday evening's football friendly between Belgium and Spain scheduled to take place in Brussels was called off late on Monday night because of safety fears.

The attacks in Paris that killed at least 129 people are now believed to have been planned in Belgium and the country has upped its terror threat level.

Ghent is only 35 miles from Brussels and a sell-out crowd of 13,000 is expected for all three days of the Davis Cup final, which begins a week on Friday.

A statement from the International Tennis Federation read: "The ITF, Royal Belgian Tennis Federation and associated partners are continuing with preparations for the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Final, with the emphasis on security operations.

"The ITF is aware of the cancellation of the Belgium versus Spain international friendly football match. The ITF understands that it was the Belgian FA that took this decision after consultation with the Belgian government.

"Other events in Ghent scheduled this week, including a cycling race and a large trade fair, are going ahead as planned."

The Lawn Tennis Association is consulting with the Foreign Office on the situation.

It said in a statement: "The LTA is in regular dialogue with the ITF on event security relating to the Davis Cup final. We are also taking advice from the Foreign Office and will continue to closely monitor the situation.

"The safety of everyone in the British contingent, including our players and fans, remains our number one priority."

Andy Murray has vowed not to let security worries interfere with his preparations.

He said: "I think everybody right now is concerned about things. But I do think the best thing that we can do is to live our normal lives, not change too much, because then the terrorists are the ones that are winning.

"We need to go out there and do what we always do and try not to change too much. That's all we can do. I don't want to live my life in fear each time I step on a tennis court. So that's what I'll do."

His thoughts were echoed by brother Jamie, who was named in a five-man British team on Tuesday along with Andy, James Ward, Kyle Edmund and Dominic Inglot.

Jamie said: "What happens, happens. Control what we can control. Hopefully the people that are in charge of security do their job and it all goes smoothly."

Source: PA