Williams rules out player boycott of Dubai event

Published on Wednesday 18 February 2009 22:29

VENUS Williams says the players could not let their sponsors or fans down as she defended the WTA Tour for allowing this week's Dubai Championships to go ahead despite the exclusion of Israel's Shahar Peer.

Peer had to forfeit her place in the event after the United Arab Emirates, which has no diplomatic links with Israel, denied her an entry visa.

"We all have to look at the bigger picture ... there are other people involved. Our sponsors are extremely important to us because we wouldn't be here without the sponsors," said Williams after reaching the last eight with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Alize Cornet of France.

"We can't let our sponsors down. Whatever we do we need to plan it as a team; players, sponsors, Tour, and not all just break off in one direction.

"We have sponsors and fans and everyone who has invested a lot in the tournament (to think about]. We're going to consider what our options are next year ... there are rules and protocol as to how you can proceed."

While players, officials, Jewish leaders and even some sponsors have condemned the stance taken by the UAE, those competing in Dubai have been criticised for not rallying around Peer and boycotting the tournament.

Williams said the players did not want to make any sudden decisions since they were only informed of Peer's plight while the draw for the tournament was taking place on Saturday.

"My first reaction was it was unfair," said the five-times Wimbledon champion. "I'm very supportive of Shahar in whatever way I can be. It's wrong she wasn't included."

Asked if there was any talk among the players about boycotting the event, Williams replied: "Not that I heard."