Upraded to Tier 1 status, this weeks Qatar Open promises to be fascinating not only as a tennis spectacle, but also as an example how sport can be a means of bridging cultural barriers. Lofty sentiments!
SHAHAR PEER
Marion's best friend on the tour, top 20 player Shahar Peer, will become the first Israeli to play in an Arab country.
Speaking shortly after her arrival in Qatar, Shahar said,
"We were welcomed very nicely. I've enjoyed my time here so far. I'm happy that i've got a chance to see a special country which many Israeli's have never been to."
Recently Shahar completed her military service in the Israeli Army.
If the presence of an Israeli sportsperson competing in an Arab country can go even a tiny way to bridging the seemingly intractable Arab/Israeli conflict then that can only be a good thing.
Actually, Shahar is the proud owner of a very cool pair of Reebok tennis shoes with the Israeli flag on them (See below). Somehow I dont think she'll be wearing them at the Qatar Open lol..
It will be of interest to learn how the crowd recieve her during her 1st Round match against Francesca Shiavone. Let's hope, sportingly.
Fellow Israeli player Tzipora Obziler, will play the following week at the Tier 2 event in Dubai.
SANIA MIRZA
Another entrant to the Qatar Open who has been caught up in political controvery lately is India's Sania Mirza.
Belonging by birth to India's minority Muslim population, Sania has been The subject of seemingly endless inter-nicene struggles between Muslim religious leaders on the one hand, and the more liberal element to Indian media and society on the other.
In recent years Sania has been criticised and chided by Muslim leaders for such things as;
The (non) acceptability of normal tennis attire for a Muslim girl.
Playing with Shahar Peer as a doubles partner.
Befriending a transvestite entertainer!
The latest controversies to emerge in the past week or two are as follows;
Allegedly resting her feet in the proximity of the Indian flag during a match.
Allegedly filming an advertisment in the grounds of a mosque.
To a western audience this is trifling piffle bordering on the absurd. But of course for an Indian Muslim female, there are obvious if rather unfortunate cultural sensitivities attached.
Personally I sympathise with her situation. Sania has always shown herself to be a loyal and patriotic Indian. Yet for this player, ranked #27, to hold the hopes of a massively expectant country like India on her shoulders - Where intrusion is the reality and privacy non-existent. Hero one minute. Villan the next - In such an unrealistic, capricious, even schizophrenic atmosphere, one can entirely relate with her decision to now refrain from competitions on home soil, such as those in Bangalore and Kolkata.
These burdensome expectations have famously snagged Indian celebrities such as Aishwarya Rai, Shilpa Shetty, and Amitabh Bachan.
Sania Mirza has the dual responsibility of not only being an Indian citizen, but a Muslim.
With Qatar being a Muslim country, let's hope she is cheered on, and that her participation proceeds without further controversy.
JUSTINE HENIN
2007 Qatar Open titleholder wont be defending her tournament. She has other commitments, and played this week in her home country of Belguim at the Tier 2 Diamond Games in Antwerp.
In Justine's absense, last years Qatar and US Open runner-up Svetlana Kuznetsova, is top seed.
With the exception of Serena Williams and Henin, all the top 10 players are present in Qatar, including Australian Open Champion Maria Sharapova, runner up Ana Ivanovic, and Wimbledon Champion Venus Williams.
SUPER.. MARION BARTOLI
Now for the important bit, :-)
Marion is one of the eight seeds in the 64 player main draw. This means she has a 1st Round Bye. She will play the winner of the Caroline Wozniacki v Jan Yung Chan match.
Marion should play on either Tuesday or Wednesday
The dodgy back she had at the Paris semi final last weekend seems ok. The alteration to her service motion seems to be what gave rise to the back twinges. Her serve is faster - What's a 5'6" 'hamster' to do against the big birds?! - Marion and her dad have been working hard on stuff. Let's be proud of what's been achieved in the Bartoli story thus far.. More to follow... he.... he....
GOOD LUCK
marionbartoli.blog.co.uk extends best wishes to Shahar Peer and to Sania Mirza for this tournament. Let the tennis do the talking. :-)
Most of all..... ALLEZ MARION!!!!!
Nice to see Marion on this flyer. Top 10 now.. Cant ignore no more.
