As Belgium recovers from the latest terrorist catastrophe to hit Europe, an all too familiar scenario is facing tennis players around the world.
On Tuesday morning a series of bombings struck Zaventem airport and the Maalbeek metro station, leaving at least 34 people dead and over 270 injured. The attack, claimed by the so-called Islamic State, comes four months after the November’s Paris attacks, where 130 people were killed.
The terror threat has deterred many from traveling, however, for tennis players they have no choice in the matter. Djordje Djokovic, the brother of Novak, was on his way to Zaventem airport before his plane was diverted due to the explosions.
Started our decent to Brussels airport when we got redirected because of the explosion. Landed to some other airport near #Bruxelles
— Djordje Djokovic (@djole_djokovic) 22 March 2016
The latest incident has reminded the world that an attack could take place anywhere, even at the heart of Europe. This worrying, but true statement in one which was also recently said by world No.1 Serena Williams.
“It’s just a really dangerous time in the world right now,” Williams said during questions with the media in Miami.
“You can be anywhere in the world and something can happen. We should all have to be kind of on alert. No city is safe at this point. You have to be alert.”
Terrorist threats at tennis tournaments is nothing new facing the sport. In 2001 the USA Fed Cup team withdrew from their final against Spain following the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. More recently, in the lead-up to the 2015 Davis Cup final, Brussels raised their terror threat to its highest level following intelligence reports of an attack. Fortunately the final went on without incident. This year the Slovenian Fed Cup team have withdrawn from an upcoming Fed Cup tournament in Egypt due to security fears.
Richard Gasquet and Ana Ivanovic were two players caught up in the 2015 Paris Attacks. They were both in the Stade de France watching a football match as they heard the explosions outside the stadium. Gasquet spoke about his experience during an interview with L’equipe.
“The match had started. We heard two explosions. I had even before heard some unbelievable sounds in les Parcs au Princes but this was obviously something else. It was not a sound, it was really a blast.” He said in November 2015.
Regardless of the terror fears, many people have refused to give in to fear. Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber was another to speak about the terrorism threat this week. The German have dismissed her own fears about being caught up in an attack.
“Sometimes you are thinking you travel every week,” Kerber said.
“Sometimes it seems hard. But at the end, you have no choice.”
For tennis players, whether they are world No.1 or No.100, traveling the world to tennis tournament is a necessity for them to make money. They have no option but to keep on with their everyday life. The fight against Islamic extremism is ongoing, but life can’t grind to a halt. A viewpoint which is shared by Carla Suarez Navarro.
“It’s sad to hear about the events in Brussels. You never know what is going to happen,” she said.
“We have to enjoy life because you never know what’s going to come.”
