While the Canadian Tennis team of the Davis Cup is suddenly affected by the consequences of the war between Israel and Hamas, Gabriel Diallo and his teammates seem ready to take the shock.
“In the end, I don’t think it changes much,” said Diallo during a videoconferencing on Thursday, before the World Group I match against Israel. The series of matches will be played in camera, without spectators or media, for security reasons.
Activists of several groups have indicated that they plan to protest against the matches due to the actions of Israel in the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank, in the context of the war against Hamas.
Halifax activists have also asked the CBC network to cancel its broadcasting of matches.
“It doesn’t matter who we have in front of us, we will compete in the same way,” said Diallo. We are going to give everything and we will try to do the work. »»
The 23 -year -old Quebecer finds himself in unknown ground in his young career. He said it was the first time in his career that sport and international affairs have been merged.
“For my part, these are unforeseen circumstances, so we will have to adapt,” said Diallo. I think that as tennis players, it is our work throughout the year to adapt to the different conditions. It is therefore once again a situation to which we have to adapt. »»
This is a regrettable situation for the Canadian team, who hoped for solid support from supporters in Scotiabank Center when the meeting was announced.
“It’s always nice to have a large crowd to encourage us, but we are professionals in this sport,” said Canadian captain Frank Dancevic. Thanks to the Cavid-19 pandemic, everyone learned to play without spectators. The guys are so concentrated that, whatever the atmosphere, I have confidence in my team and its ability to adapt. »»
The decision to play in camera was made earlier this week due to what Tennis Canada described “growing security concerns” reported by local authorities and national security agencies.
Israeli captain Jonathan Erlich stressed that his team did not feel threatened in Halifax.
“No, I think Tennis Canada has treated us very well,” he added. We are surrounded by security. We feel safe. »»
Erlich argued that his team and were proud to represent Israel during this meeting, but he refused to express themselves on the war.
“I have a lot to say, but it is neither the moment nor the place,” he suggested.
Last month, more than 400 Canadian athletes and academics, including Olympic runner Moh Ahmed, urged Tennis Canada to cancel the game. Palestinian activist Tarek Gazawi said on Wednesday that it was unacceptable to allow matches when violence and famine persist, and that they should not be broadcast live.
The Consultative Center for Jewish and Israeli Relations has said it disappointed that the event had to be closed to spectators due to a “small group of extremists”.
These demonstrations are part of a recent wave of demonstrations against the conflict in Gaza, which extends to the world of sport.
This week also, the Montreal Association for the Defense of Human Rights Palestinian and Jewish unity asked the mayor Valérie Plante to ban the cyclist Israel-Prime Tech to participate in the Montreal Cycling Grand Prix, which will be held on Sunday.
The draw for the Canada-Israel confrontation also took place on Thursday.
Diallo, the best classified player of this meeting, 35th in the world, will begin the competition against Daniel Cukierman on Friday. This duel will be followed by that between Ontario Liam Draxl and Orel Kimhi.
Saturday, Draxl and the Albertain Cleeve Harper will be measured at Ofek Shimanov and Jordan Hasson in double. The meeting between the two countries will end with matches by simple opponent Diallo to Kimhi and Draxl to Cukierman.
